Shaving razors are some of the most iconic and enduring emblems of grandeur, fashion, and taste going back to antiquity. Usually crafted to precision, the blades and the handles are both important determinants as to whether the blade is functional and durable.
10. Feather Black SS Japanese Straight Razor
This stainless steel razor is functional if rather a conservative shaving tool. It features a lengthy curved blade which, while fitting for savvy shavers; can be tricky to handle with precision when it comes to those to whom shaving is a novelty experience they just embarked on. However, even the most vociferous critics of this design have heaped plenty of praise for the acid-etched surface of the razor’s handle. Other than the ungainly size, the blade has been said to be a trifle blunt for those who like their shaving experience speedy rather than exquisite.
9 . Whetstone Cutlery 25-10116 10.5-Inch Sweeney Todd Replica Straight Razor
This set of two razors from Sweeney Todd represents great design in terms of function and form. Sharpened to an edge, the razors will cut through the sturdiest of hairs with minimal effort. It is remarkable to see the effort the designers put in to ensure the razors resembled the iconic blades featured in the movie “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” down to the tiniest detail. The 100% stainless steel is not only hardy but durable enough to last a whole generation with proper care.
8. Feather Black SS Folding Handle Razor
This Krieger razor is arguably the most iconic and nostalgic men’s razor still in production today. The design and branding have lasted down the centuries with virtually no modifications. Styled in a unique folding style, the razor features an exquisitely finished 3-inch blade. But it is the more distinctly contoured handle which has attracted the most praise though. Collectors will also love the custom made, embroidered velvet bag.
7. Feather Black SS Folding Handle Razor
Parker Safety Razors need little introduction to shaving connoisseurs and collectors alike. Notably, this particular razor comes with a pure stainless steel blade arm that is quite unlike the more pedestrian aluminum construction. The blade holder is worth a special mention owing to its snap-lock design intended to make it easier to insert and remove blades. Even though designed for use by professional barbers, the blade is nonetheless good enough for home use.
6. 100 BLADES + Facón Professional Vintage Straight Edge Barber Razor – Salon Quality Cut Throat Shavette
As folding razors go, only a few come as stylish as this Gold Dollar branded razor with a 3-inch stainless steel blade. The handle is also remarkable with its contoured ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) plastic construction. To prove a grasping fit, the handle is embossed with etchings along the entire length.
5. Parker SRW Stainless Steel Straight Edge Barber Razor & 100 Parker Platinum Stainless Professional Blades
This is yet another product that represents the excellent craftsmanship of Parker Safety Razor products. The razor is designed to precise dimensions so as to present just the right balance and weight for a smooth shave. What is more, the blade features a smoothly rounded edge to ensure that you suffer no snips or cuts even when your shaving hand is a wee-bit unsteady. The razor is also designed with versatility in mind: it accepts both Barbershop Single Edge blades as well as 1/2 Double Edge blades.
4. DOVO Shavette Blue with Black Handle
This straight razor with a replaceable blade has received raving reviews on the web owing to its unique design as well as functionality. It comes complete with a stainless steel Shavette holder as well as a black handle. The razor has also become a favorite to many due to its easy-to-insert disposable blades. This Dovo stainless steel razor comes with a single disposable razor but customers can order a complete set alongside if they so wish.
3. Dovo Silver Stainless Steel Shavette Straight Razor Replaceable Blade
This razor represents yet another award-winning design from Dovo. It stands out especially due to the silver-toned shavette handle and crimson-red blade holder. While designed for home use, Dovo has applied the same functional design they use for systems used by hairstylists and barbers. The ease of handling is so intuitive that the razor will make a sensible gift for those just beginning to shave their facial hair. As with other Dovo razors, the set comes with a single blade but buyers have a choice of specifying that the product is shipped alongside a set of replacement blades.
2.DOVO Inox Straight Razor with Olive Wood Handle 5/8 Inch, 10 g.
Popularly known as the Gold Dollar 800, this is yet another top-drawer design from Shave Ready. Custom designed for the discerning home use, it has the right shape and responsiveness that have become hallmarks of Shave Ready’s Gold Dollar series. Of other blades in the category, only the Fromm 5728 comes close but the Gold Dollar wins hands down due to its top-grade steel construction. The razor’s tang and tail are milled for durability and safety. You will also find the heel a perfect fit to ensure responsiveness and accuracy. Overall, you have to agree the superior design will take some doing to equal let alone surpass.
1. DOVO Silver Shavette Satin Finish Straight Razor Set
Made for the discerning user who appreciates luxury and exquisite design in equal measure, this 5/8″ razor is ready to shave the moment you take it from the packaging. Made of high grade Swedish stainless steel, it has just the right weight and intuitive handling you would ever want in a shaving tool. The grip is good and comfortable while the snip is fast, accurate, and effective. Many experts have praised the precision crafting of the hollow ground steel blade. The handle to represents top-grade craftsmanship with its synthetic plastic base. The base is not only curved just right for your hand but also never gets moist or slippery.
To the uninitiated, it may seem as if any stainless steel straight razor is just as good as the last. However, those who know are aware that there are vast differences in crafting, functionality, and even the aesthetic appeal of different razors and brands. When selecting a razor for your own use or as a gift item, always remember the design of the blade is just as important as the handle.
