Razor Finish

What is the consensus on finishes? Does a polished razor shave different than a satin razor? I love the look of polished razors and have avoided purchasing some razors due to finish type. Just curious. Thanks

I have razors in polished, "as machined," matte, bead blast, and stonewashed finishes. Although they have subtle tactile differences, I personally do not find shaving performance or glide on the face to be much different, especially when using a well-hydrated lather.

As ewk said, well-hydrated lather is the answer. I have also had razors with many different finishes and the only very slight difference I have noticed was the stonewashed finish had a tiny amount of drag if the lather was not well-hydrated.

I will also mention that my Timeless stainless steel razor in matte finish requires zero maintenance other than a rinse after shaving and still looks like new. Polished razors need a bit more care and will normally show some scratches after use. Personally, my preference is for an 'as machined' finish if the machining is high quality.

I find it interesting that some of the old vintage safety razors, e.g. my beloved Valet Auto Strop were gold plated. 




Can you imagine how much that would cost today?

My Yates Merica “as machined” actually is one of my favorites.

I like satin and polished finishes from a purely aesthetic angle.
Somehow, manufacturers have managed to turn polishing into another profit centre.
Was looking at a Titanium razor head recently where basic polish is 120EU and High Polish is 240EU
Is that really what it costs to put a decent polish on a razor these days?

Perhaps everyone should track down the workshop that used some new electrolytic technology to polish the
2024 Paradigm Diamondback Ti razor. The entire razor was offered at $265, and later for $350.

I prefer as machined or lightly polished over mirror, matte or bead blasted for Ti and SS 

Bronze and copper must be mirror polished.

What is the consensus on finishes? Does a polished razor shave different than a satin razor? I love the look of polished razors and have avoided purchasing some razors due to finish type. Just curious. Thanks

As a maker of safety razors, I have to admit, I have obsessed about surface finishes...a lot! While I can’t speak to “consensus” I can describe the benefits of surface finishes, the price to apply them and the reason we choose the finishes we use.

“Tribology is the study of friction, wear, lubrication...the science of interacting surfaces in relative motion”...it comes up in F1 racing, bearings, skis, golfing, firearms amongst other fields including shaving (I am sure Gillette has one on staff) ...I am not a tribolgist but we had to consider this subject when making our razor.

Beyond the aesthetic appeal, there are other benefits to a polished surface including:

1) Increases the corrosion resistance of the metal surface. A polished surface is more resistant to rusting and corrosion (less crevices for corrosion to start).

2) Easier to clean and sterilize e.g.less places and valleys for bacteria, skin, soap scum to collect – Think of cleaning a knife or kitchen appliance, what surface finish is easier to clean?

https://www.europeanpharmaceuticalreview...l-control/

3) Reduced friction/glide on the skin – Couldn’t agree more with a slick soap as another solution to reduce friction

I had the opportunity to consult with a polisher who polishes medical implants, they also polish lenses for optical and military applications...a “Super No.8” finish, a true mirror finish. It requires the most hand work. I wrote a case study/blog on safety razors finishes. It includes surface finish industry standards, differences, costs to apply and benefits of surface finishes on safety razors. I geek out on the subject…happy to clarify:


The Facts About Metal Finishing and a Safety Razor

Perhaps everyone should track down the workshop that used some new electrolytic technology to polish the

2024 Paradigm Diamondback Ti razor. The entire razor was offered at $265, and later for $350.

I tried to find a titanium version of electropolishing, similar to what we use with our 316L stainless steel to brighten and polish the threads and inside surfaces, but it doesn’t brighten titanium….keep me posted if any one finds a company who can!

Very insightful. I have always thought that there must be a difference, regardless of how small it is. It was all based on personal experience but now I have something to back up my theory. I appreciate your time in putting this together. Thank you

Polished looks great. I'd rather have as-machined or matte. Care free and don't worry about scratches or re-polishing.