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(This post was last modified: 08-28-2017, 03:39 PM by Omega48.)
My Oneblade (Genesis) is my most expensive razor, but it is also my best razor. I would buy it again without hesitation.
Talking about "high end", I have a Feather AS-D2 as well but while I enjoy it, I am not sure I would buy it again.
Talking about "high end", I have a Feather AS-D2 as well but while I enjoy it, I am not sure I would buy it again.
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Let me try to temper this discussion with a view that's not necessarily popular or even correct, it's my opinion as the owner of a number of high end razors including a Pils, a Mongoose, three ATTs, a Wolfman, a Feather AS-D1, and a Feather AC DX as well as several Feather ACs.
I was watching a video on the Feather ACs. Two professional barbers were discussing the fine points of the folding handle versus the straight handle. They referred to the razors as "blade holders," and made the point that it's the blade that does the work, not the razor.
That is true; however, it's particularly true for straight razors and straight razor-style razors (aka "shavettes") where you can continually change the blade angle and, therefore, the exposure, making the shave more or less efficient (some would say aggressive) as needed.
A DE razor will tend to set the blade angle and exposure based on the head design (duh!). Which is why adjustable DEs work by changing the blade gap.
How does this apply to your question?
When you buy a pricey DE, the shave quality is going to be determined by its blade gap and angle. Other factors, like open or closed comb, are secondary. If you know which inexpensive DEs suit you, and you can determine their blade gap, you have a good shot at buying a fancy DE that will give you an equally pleasing shave. There are high end razors that will tend to be aggressive no matter how you use them, and high end razors that will tend to be mild no matter how you use them. The ATT H1 is reputedly aggressive as an angry bouncer. While the Feather AS-D2 is supposed to be mild as Ivory Soap.
After shave quality comes, in my view, balance. This is differs from user to user. Some like a head-heavy razor, some don't. Balance can be changed by changing the handle.
If possible, buy from a company with a 30 day return policy. I know ATT offers that, and other vendors might, too. That way, you can spend time really getting used to the razor and deciding whether you like it or whether your money would be better spent on another model/brand.
Many may disagree with me but, once you settle on the blade gap, I find the differences among the high end razors to be chiefly esthetic. Do you want a razor that's polished or matte? Do you want a handle that looks like a pineapple or a barber pole? A long handle or a short handle? (I know--handles are easy to change, usually).
As far as quality, you can't go wrong with Timeless, ATT, Charcoal, Wolfman, Feather, Rockwell 6s. Razor Emporium, I think it's called, has or is about to come out with a very spiffy adjustable. My point, I guess, is that you will be happy with any of the razors from the top vendors, and that's very good news, because when I started shaving with DEs about twenty years ago, the highest end razor you could buy was a poorly-coated Merkur from Hoffritz, and the plating would eventually flake off, leaving the pot metal head exposed. We're living with an embarrassment of riches, razorwise. Let us know what you choose.
I was watching a video on the Feather ACs. Two professional barbers were discussing the fine points of the folding handle versus the straight handle. They referred to the razors as "blade holders," and made the point that it's the blade that does the work, not the razor.
That is true; however, it's particularly true for straight razors and straight razor-style razors (aka "shavettes") where you can continually change the blade angle and, therefore, the exposure, making the shave more or less efficient (some would say aggressive) as needed.
A DE razor will tend to set the blade angle and exposure based on the head design (duh!). Which is why adjustable DEs work by changing the blade gap.
How does this apply to your question?
When you buy a pricey DE, the shave quality is going to be determined by its blade gap and angle. Other factors, like open or closed comb, are secondary. If you know which inexpensive DEs suit you, and you can determine their blade gap, you have a good shot at buying a fancy DE that will give you an equally pleasing shave. There are high end razors that will tend to be aggressive no matter how you use them, and high end razors that will tend to be mild no matter how you use them. The ATT H1 is reputedly aggressive as an angry bouncer. While the Feather AS-D2 is supposed to be mild as Ivory Soap.
After shave quality comes, in my view, balance. This is differs from user to user. Some like a head-heavy razor, some don't. Balance can be changed by changing the handle.
If possible, buy from a company with a 30 day return policy. I know ATT offers that, and other vendors might, too. That way, you can spend time really getting used to the razor and deciding whether you like it or whether your money would be better spent on another model/brand.
Many may disagree with me but, once you settle on the blade gap, I find the differences among the high end razors to be chiefly esthetic. Do you want a razor that's polished or matte? Do you want a handle that looks like a pineapple or a barber pole? A long handle or a short handle? (I know--handles are easy to change, usually).
As far as quality, you can't go wrong with Timeless, ATT, Charcoal, Wolfman, Feather, Rockwell 6s. Razor Emporium, I think it's called, has or is about to come out with a very spiffy adjustable. My point, I guess, is that you will be happy with any of the razors from the top vendors, and that's very good news, because when I started shaving with DEs about twenty years ago, the highest end razor you could buy was a poorly-coated Merkur from Hoffritz, and the plating would eventually flake off, leaving the pot metal head exposed. We're living with an embarrassment of riches, razorwise. Let us know what you choose.
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(11-16-2017, 03:45 AM)EFDan Wrote:(08-29-2017, 01:07 PM)jar Wrote: What if your High End razors were from when $5.00 was a high end razor? Are the Gillette Aristocrats considered High End?
Good question. I didn't pay as much for my #66 as I did for my ATT S1/R1 Calypso, but they are my favorite razors as of now.
My #66 is one beautiful razor and certainly prettier than my ATT S2 and last month I pitted my Sheraton against my S2 but the S2 won. Maybe I should have used the #66 or one of my Aristocrats but it was OCtober so they did not get to play.
Was there an OC version of the Aristocrat made in England?
To be vintage it must be older than me!
The last razor I bought was the next to last razor I will ever buy!
The last razor I bought was the next to last razor I will ever buy!
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