Top 10 Best Straight Razors To Buy Online For A Traditional Shave

1. Thiers-Issard Sabatier “Le Chasseur” Straight Razor

Some of the most refined razors made today come from Thiers, a small mountainside village in central France. With the dawn of cheap manufacturing elsewhere in the world, Thiers’ industry may have suffered. However, they now dedicate themselves to the highest quality luxury blades in the world.

Along with Dovo, Thiers Issard is perceived as one of the leading manufacturers of straight razors in the world since 1884. Pierre Thiers himself came from a long line of master razor makers.

Nevertheless, the firm is also known for its renowned cutlery including the celebrated Sabatier kitchen knives. Both new and vintage Thiers Issard razors are highly sought after by shaving enthusiasts and this model is no exception.

This particular model is known as the “Le Chasseur”, which means “The Hunter” in French. The blade is made from C135 carbon steel and features a round nose. The shank features jimps for a secure hold and the razor is perfectly balanced and lightweight.

As it holds the official 4-star Sabatier Elephant logo, the steel has been produced using a fully forged process. Furthermore, the grind is what is known as a “singing” hollow grind. The term is used to describe a hollow grind that’s so fine that it makes a clear ringing chime when you shave or strop the razor.

Due to their high quality using only steel prepared in Thiers, they are usually very pricey. However, this particular Chasseur model is available for only $240 on Amazon.

2. Dovo Bismark Straight Razor

Of all the Dovo models available, the Bismarck is considered the most iconic. Named after the first chancellor who unified Germany, the Bismarck is an embellished work of art.

Featuring a 24 carat gold etch and ebony scales, this razor includes details that will make any enthusiast gush. Made from high-quality steel, it also features a sculpted tang for the thumb to avoid adding jimps in the shank.

It may not be as high quality as the Thiers Issard above. However, it offers great attention to detail with its design that features gold washing and acid etching across the blade. Furthermore, the steel comes from Solingen, which is effectively Germany’s equivalent to Thiers.

The Bismarck generally arrives in a shave-ready condition. However, some users have noted that it may require a little touching up. One even had to send his to be honed properly before being able to use it.

Finally, at $188 on Amazon, the Bismarck offers excellent value as an entry-level premium straight razor. If your budget can’t reach a Thiers Issard, the Dovo Bismarck is an excellent alternative.

3. The Art Of Shaving Thiers-Issard Straight Razor

The Art Of Shaving has partnered with both Thiers-Issard and Dovo in its retail of straight razors. In Thiers-Issard’s case, it features the same round-nose 5/8 straight razor in a variety of different scales.

We’re particularly fond of the stainless steel scales. Thanks to the metal’s resilience, they’ll be more resistant to wear and tear over time. Furthermore, it adds some noticeable weight to the razor, which you may prefer when using gravity for each stroke.

The Art Of Shaving has its own honing service but it’s contracted out to other professionals. Nevertheless, the option is there if you want to ensure that your razor is properly shave-ready when you buy it.

4. Gold Dollar W59 Straight Razor

If you’re looking to try out straight razor shaving but want to stick to a very reasonable budget, Gold Dollar offer a variety of options. Machine-made in China from steel plates, their straights offer great quality for an unbeatable price.

However, it’s hard to find Gold Dollars from reputable sellers that are shave-ready. Many retailers often sell them without honing first and newcomers are put off by the tugging on their beards. In this case, the W59 is ready to shave immediately but may need a quick strop beforehand.

Furthermore, many Gold Dollars are often void of any design or details, which can make them relatively plain. Yet this particular model has a unique touch with a long curved tang, smiling spine and eye-catching Spanish notch.

Not only does this make it quite an attractive razor but it’s also comfortable to hold and against the skin. Speaking of pricing, you can find this particular Gold Dollar on Amazon for only $30. The sale is directly via Ningbo Gold Dollar and fulfilled by Amazon itself.

5. Dovo Full Hollow DOV100581

If you know a little about straight razors then you’re probably aware of Dovo, which we have already covered above. Based in Solingen, Germany, Dovo is one of the leading historical and current manufacturers of quality razors. However, unlike some of its equivalents in other countries, it caters more to moderate budgets.

For instance, the DOV100581 is a classic full hollow grind straight razor made from carbon steel. It features a round point, smooth shank and conventional tang. Additionally, the steel is sourced from Solingen, the German heart of high-quality graded steel. There’s even detail on the razor’s face stating its origins.

However, there is a minor drawback in that the razor doesn’t necessarily arrive shave ready. In fact, some feedback indicates that it comes in varying degrees of sharpness. Whilst some will be ready after a few strokes on a strop, others may require honing.

The latter can be achieved by a professional but we also a feature an extensive guide on straight razor sharpening for doing it at home.

At only $90 on Amazon, this razor is yours. It’s rare to find a new straight razor from such a reputable company for such a reasonable price. Even if it may require honing, this is excellent value.

You can also buy the same razor through The Art Of Shaving. The only difference is that the version from The Art Of Shaving comes with its own logo laser-etched on the blade’s face.

6. Thiers-Issard Le Dandy Straight Razor

Here’s a more affordable alternative to the Thiers-Issard above. While it doesn’t feature the same level of detail and attractive finish, the Le Dandy model is well-known as a no-frills and, therefore, more affordable Thiers-Issard offering.

It features the same C135 carbon steel as the other model with a minimalist etching of the model’s name across the blade. The scales are made from plastic, which is quite as comfortable in the hand. However, these can be easily replaced if you want something a little fancier.

Nevertheless, the Thiers-Issard blade is absolutely excellent and you’ll be very happy with the shaving experience that it produces.

7. A.P. Donovan Damascus Steel Razor

Although A.P. Donovan is an American brand, it’s important to know that their razors are manufactured and assembled in the USA. As a result, they have a bit of a bad press among the shaving community. However, those that have used them think they’re fantastic and offer excellent value for money.

Indeed, it’s not hard to be seduced by the beautiful waves of the Damascus steel, which has a Rockwell hardness of 63HRC. Furthermore, the scales are made with Madagascan mahogany, which is really breathtaking.

Most A.P. Donovan razors are shave-ready. On the off-chance that yours isn’t, you can easily get it honed by a professional. Furthermore, A.P. Donovan retail handy kits that include a strop, a brush, and soap for just $180!

8. Thiers-Issard Durandal Straight Razor

The Durandal is yet another Thiers-Issard straight razor. However, we couldn’t resist adding it, too. Unlike the previous entries, it features stunning natural horn scales, which are far more comfortable in the hand than plastic.

Furthermore, horn offers a superior grip when your hands are wet. Therefore, there’s less chance of dropping the razor. As before, the blade is 5/8 C135 carbon steel with a singing hollow grind.

The razor is adorned with an absolutely stunning sword detail across the blade. After all, Durandal was the sword of Roland, a legendary paladin of Charlemagne in French epic literature.

9. Naked Armor Straight Razor

Assembled in China, this Nake Armor straight razor is made with Japanese stainless steel and features Brazilian Algum wood scales. Again, it’s one that would probably be shunned by the shaving community as it isn’t from a true artisanal brand.

Furthermore, it isn’t shave-ready. Therefore, the razor will need honing by a professional before you can use it. Nevertheless, it does perform very well. Although carbon steel will often provide a sharper edge, stainless steel is more resistant to the elements.

Moreover, stainless steel is able to retain its cutting edge for longer. Therefore, it won’t require as much honing as a carbon steel blade.

10. Parker SR1 Shavette Straight Razor

Technically speaking, shavettes aren’t really straight razors. However, they often seek to market themselves as such and blogs will usually perpetuate this notion in suggesting that they’re a cheap and low-maintenance alternative.

We were admittedly reluctant to suggest a shavette in this guide. After all, we have a dedicated guide to the best shavettes to buy online. Nevertheless, we thought it would be a good opportunity to inform you about their existence.

Indeed, shavettes are cheaper as they don’t require the same craftsmanship to make. They’re low maintenance because the blades are replaceable and don’t need stropping or honing.

That being said, don’t be fooled, using a shavette is a wholly different experience to a traditional straight razor. You can learn more about the differences in our guide that compares to the two.

The Parker SR1 remains one of our favourite shavettes. It’s affordable, well-put-together, and durable. As it’s entirely made from stainless steel, it doesn’t succumb easily to the elements and can easily be mistreated without many consequences.

11. Feather SS Japanese Straight Razor

Kamisori razors are growing in popularity among straight razor enthusiasts. Although they’re rarer, they’re being slowly recognised as tools that offer an equal and even superior shave.

Unlike western straight razors, Kamisoris traditionally don’t feature scales but are made entirely out of one piece of metal. Usually, the handle is simply wrapped in a raw material such as bamboo or leather to provide grip.

Generally, Kamisori razors are far more expensive as they’re handmade by masters from the Banshu region. Unfortunately, as we mentioned earlier, they’re extremely hard to find. For instance, we used to feature one made by Osami Mizuike, a renowned artisan from Kanenaga.

The best one that’s easily available now isn’t quite a traditional kamisori. Instead, it’s a modern shavette. However, it’s produced by the celebrated Japanese brand, Feather, and uses its own proprietary blades with a unique mechanism to securely hold them in place.

Kamisoris are very expensive. However, you can pick up the Feather SS for just $65 on Amazon!