What is this nonsense?

[CzechCzar]

I searched on eBay for safety razors, as I am prone to do every so often, and found some unheard of brands - Nanjie, Weishi, and the like. I have a sneaking suspicion that these are inferior products, due to their much-lower price. Are these Asian safety razors worth taking a look into?

 

[taffy]

I have a Weishi and there is a review of them in the review section, i dont mind this razor though sinse i bought it i have only used it about 5 or 6 times as it is not aggressive enough for me but will put it back into my rotation for use somewhere along the line, as for the others i have not heard of them.

 

[FTG]

I've got a Weishi.

I used it for 2 or 3 weeks before I got drawn to straight razor shaving.

I was very happy with using it. Felt nice in the hand and on the face. But - I've only compared it to disposable razors and haven't used any other DEs.

Might be some long term users on this forum who can add something.

Check out the review section though.

You may also consider going a vintage razor - you might find something for a comparable price.

All the best,
Michael.

 

[mdunn]

the build quality isnt quite up there. And the price is about the same as many vintage razors anyway

 

[herbnerd]

They are just cheaper clones of a superspeed.

They are not bad and are good enough for most people. I just guess in time most people who have started with a cheap razor will progress onto a vintage razor.

The razors are OK, I just probably wouldn't bother with the blades (if you find them).

 

[Luc]

A Weishi isn't so bad but it's not that great either. Hands down, a vintage DE is best! In the good DE that are worthy, I would say Merkur and Muhle Pinsel (Edwin Jagger). There are others but unsure if they are good as I didn't try them.

 

[SRock]

As others have said, most are just clones. For the money I say just go Vintage Gillette.

 

[luvmysuper]

No sense in saving 5 dollars on a cheap knockoff of the real thing that can be had easily enough.

 

[RichGem]

Quality control can be a real issue with the knock offs.

 

[Ignatius]

the build quality isnt quite up there. And the price is about the same as many vintage razors anyway

Difficult to get a decent Gillette for $10 now. There are superspeeds in average condition going for $50 plus.

 

[RichGem]

Difficult to get a decent Gillette for $10 now. There are superspeeds in average condition going for $50 plus.

You can get some good pricing on super speeds, etc in our buy/sell/trade forum. Plus, you can get a modern Merkur 3-piece for less than $30.

 

[luvmysuper]

Difficult to get a decent Gillette for $10 now. There are superspeeds in average condition going for $50 plus.

I see Superspeeds in the BST for 20 bucks or so all the time. That's 10 bucks more than a Chinese knockoff, and it will undoubtedly last long enough for you to pass it on to your heirs. Doubt the same can be said for a knockoff.

 

[DanOK]

Pristine beauties are few and far between at the junk/antique stores, but worthy Gillette's, which make great everyday shavers, seem to still be easy to fine in the $2 to $20 range. Do a little homework so you know what you are looking for, then take a day off and enjoy exploring. I still find new's, tech's, and adjustable's in that price range. A little elbow grease in cleaning will reward you with a great every day shaver.

 

[NB Rob]

I started off with a Weishi last year to see if I liked wet shaving. Inexpensive way to get started with a new razor. Good, gentle razor to develop a technique with.

Mine doesn't get used any more, but I enjoyed starting out with it. Now I'm dazzled by my merkur 39c.

 

[brg]

There were a few stores around here selling the Nanjie razors. They are almost all gone now, maybe because they cost 1.50 Euro .

I picked one up, judged the overall quality and tried the TTO mechanism. Absolutely useless, it looked more like a toy than a real razor. I wouldn't touch that with a 10-foot pole

 

[Ignatius]

I see Superspeeds in the BST for 20 bucks or so all the time. That's 10 bucks more than a Chinese knockoff, and it will undoubtedly last long enough for you to pass it on to your heirs. Doubt the same can be said for a knockoff.

Some of us have to pay more than that in shipping as well. They're often not in great condition either.

 

[Koss]

Difficult to get a decent Gillette for $10 now. There are superspeeds in average condition going for $50 plus.

Well, I wouldn't say it is difficult. Then again I've only shopped at antique stores/B&B B/S/T forum.

I've seen gillette's let go for 10 dollars. You can still get a shaver grade superspeed for around 15, or less. 20 dollars is where you really start finding well plated and shiny (perhaps even cased) Gillettes of all sorts.

Techs, and superspeeds are well known and go for 10-15 USD often enough for me not to say it is exactly difficult or rare.

Knacks, g1000's, twists, and schick krona's are still under-rated in my opinion and can be had for Tech prices. 10-15 USD still. And these are usually in much better shape then your usual find of the other previously named models for this price range.

I am talking shipping CONUS included. (AUS, EU, ETC still have their deals too with reasonable shipping included in the asking price. I do not know enough about international shipping to specific countries to comment further on US razors sold and shipped)

Those new razors, Merkur included (Unless these brands are bought here @ B&B) most likely do require shipping from your seller. Amazon might be a good reasonable find since they offer free shipping IF it qualifies.

B&B members also send out PIF's, and offer Starter kits for sale with reasonable prices! These starter sets, kits, and lots can be a real steal!

On B&B, a SuperSpeed that has an asking price for 50+ USD better be something special. Like those beautiful re-plated ones recently sold.

The most expensive razor I've bought here? A $27 Shiny Fatboy. I believe in late August. Thankfully we have a great group of men and women here at B&B, and we all believe in fair prices and honesty.

 

[luvmysuper]

I'll say that any 20 or 30 dollar vintage Gillette you buy off of the BST will be around and functionally sound many many years after the Weishi garbage has fallen to pieces.
But, if anyone thinks that the Weishi is the best deal, I encourage you to buy and use them. Afterall, it's what makes you happy that is important.
Besides, less competition for the good stuff on the BST.