Thread: Wacker "Old Sheffield" 7/8

I first came across this razor at my favourite shop in Berlin, The Different Scent. However, the USD 380 price tag was a bit scary, so I decided to let that one pass.

About two months ago, a member asked about top shelve razors to buy, and I recommended this one. He bought it, but did not like it at all, because it was too big for his hands. That, by the way, tells you something about the size of this razor: it is big. When he told me that he was unhappy with the razor, I offered a trade: my beloved "I'll never let you go" 1/4 hollow Grelot and a markup for his Wacker. Deal struck, razor shipped to Lynn, added SRD soaps, a felt strop, and diamond spray, the Wacker was ready to be snatched by German customs, out of whose grabbing hands it was liberated today.

The vital statistics can be found, as always, in the Wiki:

Fields	Data
Manufacturer	Wacker
Region	Solingen, Germany
Date	2009
Size	7/8
Point	Spanish
Shoulder	Shoulderless
Jimps	None
Scales	Horn
Steel	Carbon

So I took it for a test shave with SRD "Lime" and some Castle Forbes products. Here is the scoop.

Craftsmanship: Flawless. The etching is gorgeous, the scales are perfect, and the grind is top notch. Tight pins, too.



Balance: Yes. Balance. It can be a bit tricky with large razors. This one is large. It is a bit tricky. I would certainly not recommend this as an entry level razor, but if you are comfortable handling larger razors, this one is a lot of fun.

Collectability: As we all know, Wackers will become rare soon enough. Not being overly fond of goldwash, I find this one of Herr Wacker's most attractive razors (if not the most attractive razor he ever made). That is, of course, a highly personal opinion, but I am still giving this razor a 10 for collectability, despite its still being available.

Price: The best current price seems to be USD 299. That is a lot of money, but still considerably less than it used to cost in Germany. Still, a lot of money. Is the razor worth it? I think so. Herr Wacker is an old Master Craftsman, and the razor sports all the qualities associated therewith.

Overall: Why that razor was called "Old Sheffield" remains a mystery to me. Something like "one of Solingen's finest" would have been more fitting, really. I have not told you how it shaves so far. It shaves well. Very well. Lynn's honing might have something to do with that, mind you. But this razor is a keeper. Yes, I said that about the Grelot, I know...

Wow, that is a beautiful razor. Great review Robin.

My dear Robin,

That is an excellent review. I have the 6/8" version of this razor. It not only is a beautiful razor, from fit to finish, with good balance, it is a great shaver. Mine, too, has been honed by Lynn, whose magic touch will make any razor sing.

I love this razor, and, yes, it is a keeper in my modest collection as well.

Regards,

Obie