05-11-2015, 05:30 AM
Oh yes! I've had many - from the highly regarded MK31 blades to the large Mk133 and 134.
They're all excellent razors that take and hold a great edge. They're made well and are of high-quality steel.
The downside is that they have a bit of a cult following at the moment, and the prices are greatly inflated. For example, I think a Mk31 in great condition is worth about $110, but you may have to pay close to $200 for one now. What I mean by this is that a Mk31 is great, but does not take a better edge or shave better than any other $100 straight that's been maintained well and is honed well.
Anyway, there are several excellent Swedish straight makers that all make equally good razors that are much more reasonably priced.
If you're buying a razor for a user, buy a non-CVH Swedish straight and you'll get the CVH experience at a much lower price. If you're in it as an investment, then the CVH razors are an excellent choice, as they hold their value well.
They're all excellent razors that take and hold a great edge. They're made well and are of high-quality steel.
The downside is that they have a bit of a cult following at the moment, and the prices are greatly inflated. For example, I think a Mk31 in great condition is worth about $110, but you may have to pay close to $200 for one now. What I mean by this is that a Mk31 is great, but does not take a better edge or shave better than any other $100 straight that's been maintained well and is honed well.
Anyway, there are several excellent Swedish straight makers that all make equally good razors that are much more reasonably priced.
If you're buying a razor for a user, buy a non-CVH Swedish straight and you'll get the CVH experience at a much lower price. If you're in it as an investment, then the CVH razors are an excellent choice, as they hold their value well.
05-12-2015, 06:26 AM
Decent, but vastly overpriced. I would buy an SSA, Söderén or Berg instead. Preferably from Sweden where they are still affordable. These brands can still be had for something like USD 50. I have an 8/8 SSA which cost me USD 45. Same blade as an Heljestrand, by the way. Friend of mine went to Eskilstuna and spoke to one of the last remaining craftsmen. Also bought "a few" ivory scales. Did not buy a few hundred semi finished blades (4/8 and 5/8) . Someone in England is now selling those...
05-12-2015, 09:21 AM
(05-12-2015, 06:00 AM)Doc226 Wrote: ..............
JK of course, the MK 32 or 33 are one of the best razors made, likely my second favorite behind the Filarmonica 14
This may be true - I've had a Filly 14 (several of them) and many CVH razors, and they've certainly been among the best razors I've used.
However, Torrey, Shumate, Case, SSA, Tornblom, Berg, Le Grelot, and countless other razor brands also made blades that were 'among the best' I've ever used.
Basically, when it comes to most decent vintage razor brand, I think figuring out which grind and size of the blade matches your preferences is way more important than the brand itself. There were probably some sub-par makers, but most of the blades that have survived until today are generally all equally good.
If I'm looking for a user, I decide on a grind and size and then look for a razor that fits those requirements for as little as I can pay.
The last time I bought a Filly 14 (NOS) I got it, honed it and loved the shave. Then I shaved with my Bengall which had the same size and grind and the shave was indistinguishable. The Bengall was cheaper, so I sold the Filly.

Finally, as we all know here: you cannot buy a good shave. Just because you pay more for a razor, doesn't make it a better shaver than a cheaper one.
I have had a custom Tim Zowada Damascus, and it was a wonderful 1/4 ground razor - it cost close to $1000. Was it any better than my old TI 1/4 ground razor? Nope. The TZ had the cool factor of being made from scratch by a master, but apart from that and the aesthetics of the Damascus steel, it was pretty much the same as any other razor.
At this point, I consider the CVH razors to be overpriced beyond the point that I'm willing to buy any more. I still have a couple, and they're good, but I still prefer using other razors over them.
05-14-2015, 11:56 AM
I recently picked up a virtually NOS MK 31 for a little over $150 and have zero regrets about paying that price for it. Fit and finish are outstanding, and the balance in hand is excellent. This is the most important factor for me in deciding how much I enjoy using a razor outside of grind and edge quality. Shaves like a dream too!
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