Straight Razor Comparison Guide

The sheer variety of straight razor styles is a mixed blessing. While it ensures that the perfect razor is out there for everyone, for those who aren't familiar with all the options, choosing one can be daunting. This handy comparison chart should help clear things up for both beginners and experts alike.

Blade Details

Steel

Handle/Scales

Edge Retention or time between sharpenings

What we like about it

Dovo Classic

$$$$

5/8" Round point

Swedish Carbon Steel

Acrylic

*
4-8 Months

Simple & affordable, the perfect first razor.

Dovo Bismarck

$$$$

6/8" Round point

Swedish Carbon Steel

Pakka Wood

*
4-8 Months

Stunning detail & hefty blade at a good price.

Dovo Bergeshire Lowe

$$$$

5/8" Spanish point

Swedish Carbon Steel

Water Buffalo Horn

*
4-8 Months

Precise, balanced, & sexy as hell

Boker King Cutter

$$$$

5/8" Round point

Swedish Carbon Steel

Acrylic

*
4-8 Months

Produced since the 1920's, thin blade that maneuvers easily

Boker Silver Steel

$$$$

6/8" Round point

Swedish Carbon Steel

White Acrylic or Synthetic Tortoise Shell

*
4-8 Months

Heavier blade shaves more easily than other Bokers.

Thiers Issard Snakewood

$$$$

5/8" Round point

C-135 Carbon Steel

Snakewood

***
12-18 Months

Perfect first blade for those who want something of top-quality

Thiers Issard Spartacus

$$$$

7/8" Square point

C-135 Carbon Steel

Pakka Wood

***
12-18 Months

Most precise, effortless to shave with.

Thiers Issard Damascus

$$$$

6/8" Round point

C-135 Carbon Steel

Water Buffalo Horn

***
12-18 Months

THE #1 sexiest blade around

PORTLAND RAZOR CO. CASCADE STEEL

$$$$

5/8" Round point

Cascade Stainless Steel

G10

**
6-12 Months

Minimalist, with one of the best edges available.

Wacker "All Round"

$$$$

7/8" Round Point

Solingen Carbon Steel

Water Buffalo Horn

**
6-12 Months

Hefty, good looking, and an affordable high-end option

Wacker Chevalier

$$$$

6/8" French Point

Solingen Carbon Steel

Water Buffalo Horn

**
6-12 Months

Sexy, precise, and perfectly weighted.

Wacker Torsion Damascus

$$$$

6/8" Spanish point

Solingen Carbon Steel

Water Buffalo Horn

**
6-12 Months

Quite possible the most badass razor ever.

Ralf Aust Detailer

$$$$

4/8" French Point

Solingen Carbon Steel

Smoked Oak

**
6-12 Months

Hands-down, the best beard & moustache trimming razor.

Ralf Aust Carbon Fibre

$$$$

6/8" Round Point

Solingen Carbon Steel

Carbon Fibre

**
6-12 Months

Carbon fibre is always the best choice.

DOVO MAMMUT WOOLY MAMMOTH

$$$$

5/8" Round Point

Swedish Carbon Steel

Mammoth Tusk

*
4-8 Months

Do you really need to ask? The scales are made from Wooly Mammoth tusk. Read more about it here.

AMANO SAN WESTERN GRIND KAMISORI

$$$$

54mm - 7/8'

Shirogami

N/A

**
6-12 Months

Incredible edge out of the box with a hybrid design, best of japanese and western razors.

Glossary of terms

• ⅝”, 6/8”, ⅞” etc. -The height of a straight razor is measured in eighths of an inch, and gives an impression of the blade size.
• C-135 Carbon Steel -A very hard Japanese steel that is made specially for Thiers Issard. While this steel can rust, it has fantastic edge retention and sharpens beautifully.
• Edge Retention - Average period between professional honing on whetstones. Based on average hair coarseness, and good stropping technique with a quality strop. Learn about stropping technique here.
• G10 -An incredibly durable and moisture-proof composite material, very stable and simple-looking.
• Pakka Wood -This ultra-durable material is made with thin veneers of wood, pressed together and impregnated with resin. Highly resistant to moisture.
• Acrylic -A simple handle material that is highly stable over time & when exposed to moisture, but can be delicate.
• Round/ Spanish/ French/ Square Point -This describes the end section of the straight razor, check out thisarticle all about points.
• Scales -Fancy Razor-speak for handles. These fold over the blade to protect both the edge and the user.
• Swedish Carbon Steel -As the name implies, this is a non-stainless steel from Sweden which is affordable and easy to work with. While it won’t keep it’s edge as long as other blades, it’s relatively easy to hone.
• Water Buffalo Horn -This natural material is gorgeous, and each set of scales ends up with a completely unique look as a result.
• Wood - Various woods are used for straight razors. While extra care is needed with wood handles to avoid moisture, they can be easily treated with wax and give the razor a classic look.