Mirror or Satin?

[srmd22]

Which do you prefer on your straights, and why? I actually dig both, but I somewhat prefer the satin, as fingerprints are less traumatic.

[Doc226]

Which do you prefer on your straights, and why? I actually dig both, but I somewhat prefer the satin, as fingerprints are less traumatic.

There is nothing nicer than a nice mirrored razor IMHO, they are harder to keep that way. Most of my razors are satin finished.

This is my current favorite, that I rescaled, it has a mostly satin finish, almost mirror.

[mdunn]

Mirror.

Satin has a place, like a working knife for instance.. But for a razor I think it looks best

[Drybonz]

I like a satin finish... when I restore a razor, I usually go for a nice, clean satin look. I can't argue that a mirror finish doesn't look great too, though.

[Bigsurprise]

Satin finishes look good; I cannot deny that. However, mirror polished razors look stunning!

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

I have a W&B mirror finish and it is stunning, that mirror finish. Personally I have little interest in any new straights and am drawn to the heritage of vintage blades. Somehow the original patina just looks so right on them. So I’m in the “Original Patina” category which isn’t a choice in this poll but that’s what draws my eye.

[jmacak]

I agree with the good Captain. I like my vintage blades to have a bit of 'character'.

I like the looks of a gleaming mirror-finish razor, but for me a little patina and a few stains suit me just fine.

I have a W&B mirror finish and it is stunning, that mirror finish. Personally I have little interest in any new straights and am drawn to the heritage of vintage blades. Somehow the original patina just looks so right on them. So I’m in the “Original Patina” category which isn’t a choice in this poll but that’s what draws my eye.

[hig789]

Agree with both above. I like the vintage blades too. But you have no other choice if they have rust but to polish them up, but the original patina is my choice.

[mycarver]

If the blade supports it I like to go to mirror. Satin is a nice way to hide flaws though. True mirrors don't hide a thing and can make flaws more apparent. Mirror may not be what the factory had in mind ( over restored) but I do love the look.

[Earcutter]

I want to try and blue my blades myself - patina... bah! lol. I couldn't keep a mirror finish on my blades if I tried. And I have tried lol. : )

[fccexpert]

Neither. I don't bother with polishing my razors; they are for shaving, not looking at. I just wipe them dry and put them away, so over time they take on a greyish patina (they are all carbon steel blades).

[Cochese2323]

Mirror is nice but I much prefer satin. My Hart Steel is my favorite razor, but in looks and performance.

[professorchaos]

Like 'em both.

[hokahay]

MY favorite at the moment is damascus (pattern welded). So, I think you missed an entire category. After that in place is mirror and in the show position is satin.

[srmd22]

Oh, that is true, I forgot about damascus! And patina. But you can still pick between the available choices!

[dpmtherrien]

This is an easy one, get both. Problem solved, and your rotation is under way.

[srmd22]

This is an easy one, get both. Problem solved, and your rotation is under way.

Okay, you talked me into it!