Straight Razor
Long story short - after looking at several two-to-four hundred dollar electric shavers and sick of paying 30 bucks for cartridge refills I figured I would go to a straight razor. I've seen a picture before of a "supposed" Benchmade straight razor but obviously not found it in the catalog or anywhere online so I assume it never made it to production. If I am wrong please, do show me! If not anyone have any good insight on a straight edge to shave with. I don't wanna buy twice. I want a Benchmade damnit! I know how to use a strop and sharpen one (gandpa) just never took to shaving with one (didn't have/get one).
Appreciate any input.
Appreciate any input.
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There is a picture of a Prototype from Benchmades booth at one of the big knife shows, it hasn't made it in to production yet (not sure if it ever will though). 0 -
quote:one of the big knife shows
Yes it was at Blade show this year ....... they said they hadnt made up there mind to make it or not.
I think ...... they will but only when they have time , just my thoughts on it.0 -
If you really want to get into the straight razor game, you can't go wrong by looking into German made DOVO blades. You can find models to fit your budget.
Speaking from personal experience, I jumped into a nice DOVO several years back, along with a nice strop, sharpening stone, mug, soap, brush, etc.
I have to say it's a learned art and it doesn't happen overnight. No question about it, you will cut yourself, so accept that right up front.
Also, until the time that you are really good at it, you will spend at least 2 - 10 X the amount of time shaving each morning. You aren't going to shave in 90 seconds like so many of us do in the morning with our pivoting head disposable bladed razors. Going slow and at the right angle is paramount with a straight edge, and keeping the correct angle as you move the blade over the contours of your face. Failure to do this will amount to nicks or worse, stitches. Yes, I've dripped plenty of blood into the sink.
No question about it, you can get one damn fine feeling close shave with a straight edge. However, I must admit that using my straight edge has been moved to those days where I sleep in and am not in a hurry, as it still just takes me too much time.
Actually, I'm in the process of switching over to the ole style safety razor that uses the old double edge replaceable razor blades. Once I have that down and mastered, I should feel much more comfortable using the straight edge more often, as the safety razors also demand that you keep a correct angle. I'm just hoping I don't bleed as much! As a comparison of cost, I can get 100 blades for approx. $30 - 40 depending on brand. Yes, you still have to pay to play, but it beats the hell out of the cost of these fancy multi blade refill they charge an arm and a leg for.
I wouldn't wait for BM to roll out a razor if you want to get into shaving this way. Get yourself a good German blade now and give it a try - they have been making high quality straight razors for generations and many people use them. If you decide you like shaving this way and BM does roll one out, you always can pick one up then, if they don't price it for the rich and famous.
If BM rolls one out as a gold class model, I'd just keep my money myself - you're paying for a close shave from a razor that works, not the name on the handle.
Google for reviews on straight or safety razors and read to your hearts content.
West coast shaving . com or amazon have been my friend for these supplies.0 -
I was looking at German made Solingen blades: Straight razors
Solingen 5/8 Square Point Blue Bell 99 - dark buffalo horn
and
Solingen 7/8 MODOSO 14 Square Point - dark horn
I know it's healthier for the skin. I can work a knife strop fairly well, I started learning this because of an old timer using one and suggesting it as a medium to keep an edge on my EDC - so I learned it backwards, kind of, which might prove beneficial now.
I also thought about having a completely custom made model ... that could potentially have the same blade curvature as the benchmade... !HA! Seriously though the Robert Williams Customs are phenomenal, I'm sure you can get just as good of a blade without going custom but thats like saying I can get just as good of a knife without paying for one that says Benchmade. Well I could have went with Craftsman over Snap-On too, they both have lifetime warranties... Anyways, any input on the Solingen? I'm going to read more on the Dovo0 -
And this:
Dorko Timeless
Edit:
The more I read the more I like these Heribert Wacker straight razors.0 -
Solingen is just the city that they razor is made in - both Dovo and Boker razors are made in Solingen as well. For the money, I've found Boker (the King Cutter is usually around $150 and is a great blade to start, or even stay with) straight razors to be really top notch, though (as mentioned before) you can't go wrong with a Dovo.
Benchmade has been showing off that concept for a straight razor since the Usual Suspect Show in Vegas, back in 2012. I want it so bad!0 -
Yeah, I meant Solingen in the sense that the mastersmith straight razor artisan Heribert Wacker is the Sole maker over there - and if I have read correctly the only one allowed to use some of those timeless branded names/titles. He is apprenticing his son, hoping to pass down the art so that it doesn't die with him. 0 -
I wonder if Benchmade would let someone like Robert Williams Customs make a knife for them and put both Benchmade and Robert Williams name on it?! That would be 'far-out'! See what I did there... ;( 0 -
If BM makes one of those I will jump on it. I have been wanting to try a straight razor for a while. 0
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