Vintage vs Modern

I have only used vintage razors and do not have much of a desire to try anything modern. I am sure there are many that fall into the exact opposite. I would not say no desire, I figure why pay x amount for a modern one when I can get a vintage Fat Boy, Red Tip, or NEW for $5 or less. Then again I might just be cheap, actually I am frugal. There is something exciting about shaving with something that in many cases is older than I and functions so perfectly. Much of my free time is spent searching for old shaving stuff and when I find it I have to use it. I only shave a few times a week so it will take a while before I get through all of them.



Do you prefer vintage or modern and why?

I truly enjoy both but definitely use, and generally prefer, my vintage razors.

I also agree with you about the history of an old razor (or fountain pen, my other obsession). When using my NEW or Red Tip or lather catcher, I always wonder where it lived before coming to me. Who were its former owners and what were they like. It's fun to speculate about such things.

I have a Parker 91R double edge that gives excellent shaves.
Also a Merkur Slant that gives good shaves but not as good as the Parker. I think slants may be over rated. Perhaps it's me.

I own a number of Rolls Razors of various models. When the blades are properly honed they surpass my two modern razors.
I am learning to hone them myself and am getting much better at it. I have finally achieved BBS's. The last of the Rolls was made in 1963. A couple are over 80 so they are old.

Two Schick Injectors are at least as good as the Parker.

I have six different single edge GEMS. They are amazing. Any one will give a BBS. My two favourites are the Damaskeene and the Micromatic Open Comb. They are wonders of razor design.

Each morning is a new adventure. That is not too bad for an 83 year old geezer.

Tomorrow is a Rolls Imperial. The next day a GEM Pop UP.

Mickey

I have a Parker 21R double edge that gives excellent shaves.
Also a Merkur Slant that gives good shaves but not as good as the Parker. I think slants may be over rated. Perhaps it's me.

I own a number of Rolls Razors of various models. When the blades are properly honed they surpass my two modern razors.
I am learning to hone them myself and am getting much better at it. I have finally achieved BBS's. The last of the Rolls was made in 1963. A couple are over 80 so they are old.

Two Schick Injectors are at least as good as the Parker.

I have six different single edge GEMS. They are amazing. Any one will give a BBS. My two favourites are the Damaskeene and the Micromatic Open Comb. They are wonders of razor design.

Each morning is a new adventure. That is not too bad for an 83 year old geezer.

Tomorrow is a Rolls Imperial. The next day a GEM Pop UP.

Mickey

It's so funny how we are all different when it comes to our favorite razors. I wanted to love my Gems and Eveready's but they did not love me back. I can shave with my Schick injector but it only gives an Ok shave.

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Vilhauer,

I think the problem may be giving them too much love.

They really do prefer going their own way.

They rebel at pressure. Be gentle. Very gentle.

Ease up, man. Don't force yourself on them. A light touch is all they ask of you.

Then they will demonstrate their affection.

Mickey

I've long been an advocate of vintage razors and specifically SE razors, though I do use DE razors.

I thank the modern razor manufacturers who are "out there" and I'm incredibly happy that not everyone is as satisfied as I am with vintage so that we can keep them in business. That's good for shaving in general and bodes well for the hobby and the necessity of shaving.

Frankly I can't understand why everyone doesn't see the supremacy of SE razors, but clearly not everyone does. :-) I have to literally force myself to use my DE razors. My hand is just naturally attracted to the SE razors. Would I ever sell my Gillette single rings or my Muhle R41s? Not on your life! I like the variety when I remember they exist. I think I hold onto the other DE razors just in case the zombies attack. I have a few DE razors on hand so that everyone can have their brains eaten by one of the walking undead while the eaten sports a great shave. (clearly I've watched far too much of The Walking Dead; a TV show)

I've long been an advocate of vintage razors and specifically SE razors, though I do use DE razors.

I thank the modern razor manufacturers who are "out there" and I'm incredibly happy that not everyone is as satisfied as I am with vintage so that we can keep them in business. That's good for shaving in general and bodes well for the hobby and the necessity of shaving.

Frankly I can't understand why everyone doesn't see the supremacy of SE razors, but clearly not everyone does. :-) I have to literally force myself to use my DE razors. My hand is just naturally attracted to the SE razors. Would I ever sell my Gillette single rings or my Muhle R41s? Not on your life! I like the variety when I remember they exist. I think I hold onto the other DE razors just in case the zombies attack. I have a few DE razors on hand so that everyone can have their brains eaten by one of the walking undead while the eaten sports a great shave. (clearly I've watched far too much of The Walking Dead; a TV show)

I am just getting into using SE's I must say I like them a lot. I have only used them once so let's see if my appreciation continues.

I own several modern razors that I enjoy very much and are of the highest quality. But I also enjoy a shave with a nice vintage Gillette here and there.

For me shaving is not a hobby, but a part of my lifestyle for the last 30+ years. My first DE razor was a Super Speed given to me by my grandpa when I was a teen. I still have it with the original case and blade dispenser. I'm 49 so you do the math :-). That puppy shaves just as it were brand new.

There will always be room in my den for vintage razors.

I have just paid (one month ago, two weeks at home, four shaves with it) 85€ for a frankrazor (head from a Otto Roth -struck out name-, handle from a black and red, both plate golden, beauty, but expensive) and 22€ for another one frankrazor, New from England. I think they are history and that the worth they bring, but Mühle heads are superb, R89 and R41 heads shave far better than this New Long Comb, IMO and aren't very expensive here (Europe). Notwithstanding, we haven't a 5€ chances here.

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I'm a vintage guy for many of the reasons already stated. Another way I'd put it is that a vintage piece comes with a "soul." Even my user grade vintage razors can be considered heirlooms in a sense. But I can't justify the cost of what would be a modern day heirloom.  All of which brings me to "recycle, reuse, repurpose." Honestly, I'm not fanatical about the concept, but I do get a kick out of incorporating it where I can and razors are one such instance. I wish I could carry it over to brushes as well and maybe I will with enough patience, but for now, new brushes are much more cost effective for me.