Thread: Pair of Japanese style razors w western grind

I heard about O2 being hard to find in the US. Apparently, it's still available here although I have to say not all steel suppliers carry it. Besides, there are very few 'small scale' steel suppliers for knifemakers in Europe. The ones there are usually carry only the commonly used steel, or only certain dimensions. I've found a large steel supplier who is kind enough to sell in 'small quantities'. Small being having an order size of at least 200$. Really friendly people.

O1 is definitely good steel, but the tungsten makes it more suitable for heavy duty applications. The same tungsten also makes it harder to grind / hone. I've found O2 to produce better edges while at the same time being easier to work.

It etches up very dark as well, and when welded with stainless it produces very contrasting dark / light patterns.

well I guess if you are able to make use of that much steel its not a bad minimum. my orders usually run $50-100 but if I knew id use all the steel in a timely manner itd definitely be worthwhile.
I appreciate the nature of your reply, cant beat hands on experience and opinion but when theres a lack of being able to do so the next best thing is getting the opinion from those who know! and you certainly do, loving to see your work

Those look nice. they seem to have a more upward angle of the tang/tail than most. The ergonomics seem to be most favorable for shaving to me.

I like the blade to be angled back a bit. Imo it's more ergonomic. Especially when combined with a smiling edge. A true 'straight' razor is very un-ergonomic. There aren't too many flat surfaces on a human head.

As for the quantity... it doesn't spoil
And now that I am officially running a business, it's better to break even than to make a profit so I tend to order more than I need for the short term.

Bruno, to my eye the grind looks very nice. How about a shot from the end angled inward a bit?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Bruno, to my eye the grind looks very nice. How about a shot from the end angled inward a bit?

No problem. Do you mean looking from the point to the end of the tang, or from the end of the tang looking towards the point?

OH! From the point in!

I like the 'angle of attack' on the blade.. not perfectly straight with the handle angle...

Have you shaved with them?

Originally Posted by MikekiM

I like the 'angle of attack' on the blade.. not perfectly straight with the handle angle...

Have you shaved with them?

Just yesterday I testshaved both of them. I shave only once with each razor, to determine if they shave or not. I try not to get attached to anything I make

Originally Posted by Bruno

I try not to get attached to anything I make

That must be a near impossible task! Beautiful beautiful work - as is always the case with your razors!