Thread: Which brand to go with ? (straight razor)

Over a month ago purchased Gold Dollar straight razor, without doing much research. Shaved just a few times, like the whole idea of straight razor shaving, but the razor I bought simply doesn't cut it. Price says it all.
This past weekend gave some thought into purchasing a real good quality razor, considering it's a one time investment. Based on the brands I researched I found the following to be most popular (correct me if I am wrong)
1. DOVO (really like the Bismark model)
2. Thiers Issard (so many many models to choose from, don't even know where to start)
3. Wacker

Which brand is the most reputable ?
Price wise I don't mind spending, as long as it's worth it. Blade size preference: 6/8" or 7/8"

These are all good. Others will chime in as well as they all have opinions on the matter...2 straight shavers, three opinions. All of the above are great. I would also add Boker and Aust to the mix there....but the most important thing is going to be WHO you buy the razor from, not who made the razor. Great vendors, like many of the sponsors of this site, will hone and strop the razor for you so that you can use it properly out of the box and get the best possible result. SRD will also include a cert. for an additional honing, as it is likely you will dull the blade prematurely due to poor technique.

FWIW, I prefer my TI 5/8 and will be purchasing another in either 6/8 or 7/8 in the near future.

I would add Revisor Rasiermesser to the list too. Got to agree that where you buy is likely more important than what brand you buy for the reasons given above. Keep in mind too that a plain Jane 6/8 model from any of the reputable makers has the same steel as the more expensive models 6/8 models from the same maker but lack the more expensive models blade ornamentations and fancier scales. Just pick one in the blade size and style/grind you like.

Bob

Welcome to SRP!

Dovo, TI, and Ralf Aust are probably the three best mass produced modern straight razors. I've heard good things about Wacker and Revisor, but don't own those. Oh and Boker is a good company too.

Whatever you get, get it from a reputable dealer like Straight Razor Designs, Vintage Blades, etc. Or get a used one from the classifieds on this site.

Hi and welcome. You know have a list of current makets but there are so many great vintage blades that can match if not better that quality and can be cheaper. Would be worth having a look at them to. There is a list of good razors in the library

Welcome to SRP. All of the aforementioned razors are fine shavers. Vintage is fine too, but condition is something to keep an eye on. The closer to new old stock the better. Until you've really found what width, point style, grind you really like don't go for any very expensive razors. Once you really know what your preferences are in razors go with the gusto.

Thanks to all for responses. I kind of like Thiers Issard razors (from aesthetic perspective) , looking through google pictures, there are some really nice looking razors.
Any suggestion on picking the right Thiers razor ? Feedback and examples greatly appreciated.

* Preferably round point.
* Price range $100-$200

Welcome to SRP! T-I makes excellent razors. I say you won't go wrong with current production or vintage there. Good luck!

Just shaved with my TI Sparticus 7/8 today. I can say that honing these can be challenging. It took a lot of tweaking before I got to know how this one behaved. But when its finally honed right, it shaves exceptionally smooth. I'd take a TI over a Dovo any day. I don't own a Wacker so I can't say.

+1 to Jimmy above. I have a 1937 as well and really like it.