It’s very disappointing that I don't own one...
What country makes or made the best straight razors.
- Thread starter Suhrim21
- Start date
So, are we shaving, maintaining edges, honing, restoring, or taking pictures?
Is there now or, after Sheffield's peak, was there ever a center of straight razor production to compete with Solingen?
If we're taking pictures, Japan wins.
Is there now or, after Sheffield's peak, was there ever a center of straight razor production to compete with Solingen?
If we're taking pictures, Japan wins.
I am familiar with the major French, German, English, Swedish and even a few American producers. I always assumed the Japanese specialized solely in Kamisori razors.
What are some of the Japanese and Spanish producers to look out for in this space?
What are some of the Japanese and Spanish producers to look out for in this space?
My favorite so far is German but that is from a sample size of only one razor!
Some would argue that today, the small Austrian boutique firm called Koraat Knives makes the best razors money can buy, in terms of quality and finish. Ralf Aust would make a not so distant second. I wouldn't know much about the vintage ones though.
Do they make razors in other countries than China?
rbscebu
Girls call me Makaluod
You might be surprised at where some manufacturers in other countries get their blanks and even ground blades from.Do they make razors in other countries than China?
- Thread starter
- #29
I have not come across one bad japanese company yet.
- Thread starter
- #30
I'm not sure I understand the first question. The picture was in a direct response to a statement nothing else.
I have to confess I am prejudiced against plastic. It just feels not noble. I'd rather have bone, wood, metal or horn.
I was just thinking about all the factors that go into my appreciation of SRs. I wasn't referring to your picture - I really enjoy seeing your collection BTW. In spite of having too many SRs, I only get to appreciate a lot of razors (and countries of origin) in photos on the SR acquisition and use threads. So I'm best placed to vote on looks and secondarily on shave quality, which is squarely in YMMV territory. My honing/ maintenance career has been too short to give me a vote there.
SR countries I've yet to visit:
Sweden (but Swedish steel was popular across Europe)
Spain
One razor countries:
England (at least one restoration pending)
Japan (one or more pending restore)
Latvia
China
France (plus a Franco-Turkish Suer)
I have bunches of Solingen (new and vintage), USA, and Solingen made-for-USA razors, the most common types to be found in the wild here in the Pacific NW.
- Thread starter
- #33
There are lots of great inexpensive japanese straights on ebay. The ABC razor I just posted recently I picked up for a great price. I do not have any power tools to help with restoring. Just took my time with it. Little at a time. Now i have a razor that would sell for probably 150. And thank you for the wonderful compliment on my collection. I'm still working on it.
Of my four favorite razors,
two are German,
two are Swedish.
two are German,
two are Swedish.
Define superior.
It's rhetorical.
Everyone's definition can/will be different. People will like what they like.
I tend to prefer wider blades with heavy grinds, not too many of them come from anywhere other than the UK. So based on that preference, Sheffield made 'superior' razors. But only for me, in a very general sense. I"ve had blades from around the globe, some I liked, some I loved, some I hated. What's 'best' or 'superior' is a personal choice.
It's rhetorical.
Everyone's definition can/will be different. People will like what they like.
I tend to prefer wider blades with heavy grinds, not too many of them come from anywhere other than the UK. So based on that preference, Sheffield made 'superior' razors. But only for me, in a very general sense. I"ve had blades from around the globe, some I liked, some I loved, some I hated. What's 'best' or 'superior' is a personal choice.
- Thread starter
- #36
That is the exact point to this thread. Everyone's preferences are different. If a bunch of people are debating and talking about what they like what they dont like it can help newer members decide before dropping a lot of money trying a bunch of razors they will not like.
For example. I like thin well like japanese hollow. If a ton of people are saying most Sheffield razors are thicker ground I would probably not spend too much time searching for Sheffield razors as a newer person.
Personally I'm trying to try all sorts of grinds and sizes to see other than japanese razors what else I love.
Thiers in France.
Eskilstuna in Sweden
Wicked little Shumate...
If you like wide blade with heavy grind, get a Koraat 9/8 in silver steel near wedge. look no further.
Nah, I avoid modern makers and their wares... the exception was Brian Brown and I somehow managed to lose the razor I bought from him.
My interests lie with vintage blades; I have a drawer full of 8/8 Sheffies, mostly Wades - I have no reason to look any further.
