Thread: First post. Looking for feedback on razor build.

Intriguing. I have to say I am mostly interested in the engraving or etching. I do have and periodically shave with a fixed blade razor from time to time. Mine is a Robert Williams Purist. I would be curious as to how well it would handle. Of course there is no way to convey that information. You have my attention from a shavers point of view. I am not a maker of blades so I cannot say anything technical about the construction. As long as it shaves well, looks good and pleases you it was a successful build.

Originally Posted by Wyo823

First razor I built. I had to look pretty hard for this image. Terrible pic. A little more to your liking?

Yep, and generally I really like the aesthetic...the engraving or etching...I can see the saddle making part in the designs. Great lines in the blade, the hump in the tang... tail. You seem like a natural at this if this is your first blade. Honestly, I'm more of a traditional straight kind of moke, so I don't see a lot of modern makers whose work I really like (all of them have metal skills that are other worldly), but to me, you are a hop, skip from killing it.
Thanks for posting, I hope we can see more.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

What you are asking is do we think it is "Pretty"

Yes I do

Do I think it is technically an actual functioning Straight Razor ???

I have no idea, you haven't given the first inkling of any details about the build ..

We can't even see if the scales function properly let alone the bevel angle, the type of steel, the HT and temper results

Honestly pretty razors which we call RSO's are a dime a dozen, we want to know about the functional aspects


I am NOT being harsh I am being honest

It is obvious you have talent when it comes to beauty

I think there is a time to be honest and a time to be harsh, I doubt there is ever a time to be both.

Originally Posted by Wyo823

First razor I built. I had to look pretty hard for this image. Terrible pic. A little more to your liking?

I am a user of the folding style straight razors and that looks pretty good to me as far as the blade goes. I like shoulderless blades with rounded heels. Never been a big fan of squared off heels as it is just another sharp corner for cutting yourself with. Probably why I have never seen one on a vintage razor but it seems in vogue now for some reason.

The scales are hard to say on functionality as you'd have to see how they worked in person. The style is not to my liking but that is a personal preference thing.

As Glen mentioned, it is easy enough to comment on looks but functionality is another thing altogether. Things like having the bevel angle right, the heat treating and the way the scales, wedge (not spacer) and tang work in conjunction with each other. All are hard to impossible to tell from a photo.

Bob

It is great to see you here, I think your work is beautiful.

Charlie

It's pretty for sure.
Do you use those razors regularly? I am wondering about the deep engraving or etching on the blade hollows. They seem like they can easily trap skin grease or foam. Are they easy to clean after every shave?

The inlaid mokume, how di you match the inlay with the hole?

Is that Mr. Lewis? If so I owe you a debt of gratitude. I assume that you must recognize the work. Mr. Lewis was kind enough to answer several questions I had regarding the construction of razors. That has been several years ago. I have been using straight razors since I was 18. I am now 36. I am no authority on razors but in that time I have figured out what I like as a personal preference. I would never put form over function. If it doesn't shave its of no use to me. I appreciate the feedback guys. Keep it coming.

I will do the best I can to answer Bruno's question. I had all my wisdom teeth pulled today so I am under the influence of some pretty strong medication. The fixed razor with deep resist etch has been the only razor I have used since its completion. That has been just over two years ago. If I am fortunate I will be able to duplicate the quality of edge this particular razor has. The moon and stars must have aligned perfectly when I did the heat treat on that one. Or as a friend likes to say" I'd rather be lucky than good". I grin each time I use it. I only shave probably three times a week so it doesn't see everyday use. Very easy to keep clean as far as the etch goes. As for the inlay, we would call this double mounted. Meaning there is an inlay on both sides of the razor. Fitting it to the recess was pretty simple, since all sides were straight. Something complex I would have used a jewelers saw. Mokume is probably .025 thick. I gave myself the challenge of using whatever I had laying around to build this piece. It is far from perfect as far as aesthetics go but as a shaver it is my favorite.

Yep, it is me. I surely recognize your work, I was impressed when I saw it for the first time. It is good to see you on this forum.

There is a good group of people here, you make another one.

Charlie

Originally Posted by Wyo823

I will do the best I can to answer Bruno's question. I had all my wisdom teeth pulled today so I am under the influence of some pretty strong medication. The fixed razor with deep resist etch has been the only razor I have used since its completion. That has been just over two years ago. If I am fortunate I will be able to duplicate the quality of edge this particular razor has. The moon and stars must have aligned perfectly when I did the heat treat on that one. Or as a friend likes to say" I'd rather be lucky than good". I grin each time I use it. I only shave probably three times a week so it doesn't see everyday use. Very easy to keep clean as far as the etch goes. As for the inlay, we would call this double mounted. Meaning there is an inlay on both sides of the razor. Fitting it to the recess was pretty simple, since all sides were straight. Something complex I would have used a jewelers saw. Mokume is probably .025 thick. I gave myself the challenge of using whatever I had laying around to build this piece. It is far from perfect as far as aesthetics go but as a shaver it is my favorite.

Do I understand correctly that the hole is through and through then?