Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread - October 9th, 2024 (#486)
djundjila@sub.wetshaving.social 3 weeks ago
Wed Oct 09 2024
- Brush: Zenith – 506 N XS (extra soft horse)
- Razor: Böker – 14er (8/8", extra hollow, carbon steel, square point)
- Lather: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac Original
- Post Shave: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac Original
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac Original
This concludes a week of shaves with 14-type razors with a stellar shave. After a lacklustre bout with the factory edge, I refreshed the edge, and there it is, that smooth, soft extra hollow feeling. This modern 14 is really on par with the Fili, Frio, and Henckels originals. I’m really looking forward to comparing this to the Moarteen soon.
Zenith extra soft horse ++;
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social 3 weeks ago
I think it is all about geometry. I measured the bevel angle on the Gen 1 Fili, River Razors 14, Koraat 14-2.0, and Frio 14. All razors have bevel angles at ~15.5 degrees. I have measured other hollow ground razors that I have and none, except my cherished MK 31 Söderfors Extra Specialstål, have bevel angles equal to or less than this. The “better shaving” razors are all close though.
djundjila@sub.wetshaving.social 3 weeks ago
that would make a lot of sense
Does that mean that it’s not a favourite?
gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social 3 weeks ago
Sadly, yes. I’ve known for a long time that typical razor bevel angles fall between 15 and 20 degrees. I tinkered with this, myself, a couple of years ago. I reduced the spine width on my Gold Dollar to change the sharpened bevel angle from just over 20 degrees to 18 degrees. Took a long time. The feel of the razor improved considerably.
djundjila@sub.wetshaving.social 3 weeks ago
That’s a bummer.
I don’t want to imagine how much time and effort it took to whittle down the spine enough to make a meaningful change in bevel angle 😅 .
Btw, I now want to measure my 17. I have a feeling it may have a blunter angle than my other razors, but it still shaves great. I need to double check my assumptions here.