Why Would You Spend This Much on a Safety Razor?!?!

I often times get comments when covering more expensive razors that less expensive safety razors do the same thing as an expensive one. While I believe their purpose of being a razor are identical their approach to shaving and approach to quality are two different stories. I do think there are places for both budget friendly safety razors and premium or boutique safety razors. I wanted to attempt how premium safety razors stand out from the pack.

[GregTardif]

I do own paintings from artists and bed bath and beyond..., just thought I'd throw that out there

[brianh]

I started using a safety razor because I liked shaving only once a week and I got so sick of the cartridge razors clogging. Now I am embarrassed to tell anyone how much I have spent on shaving gear, but I love it. I am a sucker for engineering, design, craftsmanship, and art. Wet shaving has ALL of these elements so I spend money on it. My most common daily shave is the Henson Ti22 safety razor enhanced edition, PAA soap and splash, Big Bruce brush, and Captain's choice obsidian copper lather bowl. . I have spent LOADS of money at Razor Emporium, PAA, and Henson because I LOVE their products. Engineering, craftsmanship, design, and art

[DaveShaves]

I don’t judge anyone for spending a million dollars on a razor if they want to. I just get such a good shave with my $30 razor that i don’t even feel the need to buy a $200+ razor. For me, just feels like I’d be wasting my money. I’d rather spend $200 elsewhere.

Nice video Greg! You have quite the collection!

[randyshaves]

I still don't get it, but it is to each his own. As far as longevity is concerned I feel that is a poor argument. However, to obtain a collection of premium priced razors is a good argument. There are tons of razors for <$100 that will last several lifetimes. There are $40 razors that will do the same. All of these will provide a BBS shave with the right blade. In my opinion when someone says they spend $350 on a razor because they wanted one that would last they are simply trying to justify spending $350 on a razor. They say that and then they buy another $350 razor. Well, if they bought the first one because they want one that would last a lifetime why would they need another one? For their next lifetime? No one owes anyone an explanation as to how they spend their money, (well with the exception of their wife maybe), but attempting to convince others that a $350 razor will "outlast" a $120 Rockwell 6s, or a RazoRock $55 Game Changer are just attempting to convince themselves of something that simply isn't true. The $350 razor will not outlast either of those, but if it is what a person wants that is their business and no one else's. I am prepared to say that a Toyota will outlast a Ferrari for much, much, much less money, but if a Ferrari is how a person wants to spend their money I say go for it. It's their money not mine, but I don't want to hear they bought it because it will outlast a Toyota because it won't. Make sense? 😎

[Drmikekuna]

Greg, thanks for the video. I'm a "compulsive comparer." An "affliction" that I have had since childhood. That is no joke, before I went to grade school I collected and compared various pencils that we had around the house. Really, what kid has a pencil collection at age 5? However, that crazy habit has served me well in my life as it trained me to see nuanced differences in similar things.

Over 15 years ago I got into wet shaving with a DE razor. For a number of years, I was into brushes, soaps, and blades, but then life got in the way. I still used a DE razor but my use was more "functional." Over the last year, I have gotten back into the hobby. You can buy a really awful razor for under $20 and actually some pretty good ones too. If your goal is to save money you can absolutely do that. Going up the price ladder gives you better consistency, a quality design, and shinier stuff. The Merkur Barber Pole that I bought 15 years ago looks brand new despite shaving with it thousands of times. Transitioning to elite razors is something that I haven't done as of yet, but I totally get it. You are buying something that will likely only exist in a few thousand copies. Something that looks unique and performs well. Do these razors perform significantly better than a quality consumer product? In many cases, I would say no. That is based on my bias that there are only so many things you can do to a razor. However, that isn't the point. When you buy a boutique razor you do it for the joy of the purchase. People buy expensive pens despite the fact that a Bic works great. They buy expensive watches despite the fact that they have time on their phone. Congratulations on your purchases!

At the moment I'm having fun comparing cheap razors and also exploring soaps and blades. It is enjoyable for me to do this and I even have created a spreadsheet so I can remember what blades work best on my face. I'm sure that many would say that such an adventure is both a waste of time and money... but it is my time and my money. Folks always want to impose their views on others. It is as if they think that everyone has to agree with them to make their thoughts valid. BS on that, I believe in "You do you, I do me."

BTW, I saw your video on men's health. Thanks so much for doing it. I'm retired, but spent my professional career as a mental health provider. So many men are taught that it is a weakness to ask for help... that's bullshit. Women do it all of the time. The result? They live longer and happier lives. I can't tell you how many guys came into my office hesitant but then grateful to have a place to process their feelings and feel better about themselves. I just read an article on the importance of close male friendships and how many men don't have them. Forums and channels that are more male-centric offer a place for men to gather and connect. That is a good thing. Again, thanks for your videos.

[mattfox]

Great points Greg. This hobby is so unique that you really can tailor every aspect of it to what you want and get enjoyment. I have gravitated to more of the premium offerings personally.

[leehaseley]

A run of the mill razor is a purely functional item, whereas a premium razor is also a work of art.

[JMac.]

A great video Greg! I like both budget and premium razors, although 95% of my shaves are with the premium offerings, to me they just feel better in the hand, feel smoother, and since this is my only hobby, I want to enjoy the experience of quality as much as I want to enjoy a great shave. Have a great day bud!

[louiel]

I've been DE wet shaving for 6 years now. I just recently found you and then this community 6 months ago. All of you have provided advice on better products such as the artisan soaps and splashes. This has greatly improved my experience! The lard and oil combination soaps made me stick to this fun hobby. I was still using the Cremo and other liquid or gel soaps. These are not a good experience. I just now purchased an Arizona Accoutrement (?) Synthetic brush. I haven't used it yet, but am very excited. It's the small things.

[Leenunes]

The thing about a good safety razor is that even though they're expensive, you can always sell them for close to what you paid. They're not like cars where they lose a ton of value when you use them, and a used one might be more risky than a new one. If you buy a used Rex Ambassador for $175, and use it for a year, you can always sell it for $175, and it will be like you rented a Rex Ambassador for $0/month.

I had a fantastic shave this morning from an old Gillette Tech that I paid $5 for, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. I also enjoy my shaves with my more expensive razors. It's not about being unable to get great shaves with cheap razors. It's about enjoying using something really nice. My dad always drove junky used cars when I was young, but he always wanted a Cadillac. It did the same job as his old station wagon, but they're smoother and more enjoyable. He finally got one in the mid 90s...it was a late 70s Caddy, but it was still a Caddy!

[donaldfuller]

I got a safety razor at Walmart. I used the blades it came with they was scrap metal I tried the Japanese blade I used with the razor I lost at a truck stop. And I found out the razor it self was scrap metal. I replaced it with a Gillette safety razor just like the one I lost. I would recommend getting a good one not a expensive brand. The blades with a good quality safety blade is best. Now I’m a truck driver so I use the blades only once but I put the used blades in a tin than when it is full I toss it I my company’s scrap metal bin for recycling. And most plastic metal blades goes into the landfill.

[viningscircle]

Been wet-shaving for over 10 years, and I especially like the combination of great quality for a reasonable price, with the understanding that "reasonable" can be subjective. I also have the Rex Ambassador, and like you Greg, got it second-hand, and enjoy it very much. It is premium craftsmanship. In consideration of great value for money, I feel that Italian Barber's Razorock line is superb, and highly recommend them whether one is a seasoned shaver or are new to traditional shaving.

[MarkPollard]

I own several high end razors and I love them. My Rocnel Sailor is by far and away my favorite razor.

[Heinrick_Andersson]

I’ve been using 1930s Gillette NEW Long Comb 3 Piece Safety Razor. New Old Stocks mild Gillette Silver Blue blades RU & aggressive Feather Platinum blades JPN

[MemphisMike]

I think I want to hit up a few Estate Sales to see If I can run across some Vintage Razors.

[jbbroman]

Spectacular video Greg, I completely agree with you, “Top Level” DE shaves are a different experience and it's so wonderful being able to try them.

[Mo.Faried]

I started shaving with a 0.5 cent LORD safety razor 20 years ago. Then fell down the rabbit hole and I am now using the R41 exclusively and gifted or sold many of my razors. We just want to try different things thinking we are going to have an entire different experience or there is something that perfectly fit for us, but eventually, we realize they all lead to the same thing. If I had to repeat it all over again, I would have bought the muhle R89 and then got R41 head for the same short handle.

[thomasbeaton]

I'm with you, there's razors in every price bracket that will give you a fantastic shave. I get a great shave from the assured $1 razor, I also get a great shave from my most expensive razor the yaqi final cut brass razor. If you want it, and you're not spending money that SHOULD be spent elsewhere then I see no problem with treating yourself. Like you said, that's why we do this! Take care buddy

[Latherhog]

Great video Greg, love that your tackling these topics!

[trentv]

Hey Greggy, nice shout out for the Bambino!!! Quality doesn’t have to cost a fortune. Sporting my Hamilton Khaki, shaving with my Merkur, wearing my old redwing boots. Purpose driven!!