There is no Spaz in Spazola

It all started about a week ago while I was perusing the forums. I came across a thread by Aquanin showing some razors he had rescaled... And I must say they were beautiful. Any way there was a frameback by Spazola that Aquanin had rescaled. This razor spoke to me. I had to have one. Let me say now that Aquanin's work is quite good, very impressive.

So I PM'd Spazola and asked if he might be interested in a trade...one of my customs for one of his framebacks. He replied that he would be willing, but what he really wanted was to learn to hollow grind. I said I want to know how to make frame backs.

Long story short, 2 days later Charlie is making the 7 hour drive from Burkburnett, Tx to Baytown, Tx. We spend Wednsday night finishing preparing a few razors I had started, fired them in the forge, tempered, and cryoed them. On Thursday morning we hollow ground a couple of those, going through the entire process. Charlie is a BIG guy, but he was like a kid in a candy store. He is really smart, good with his hands, loves making razors and all things razor. He constantly had a smile on his face.

Charlie shared with me the secrets of frame backs. I took a blood oath not to share this knowledge and take this secret to my grave. (just kidding)

This was a great couple of days for both of us. Charlie "Spazola" Lewis is a great guy who makes great razors. Check out his web site.

Charlie also shared a few other secrets concerning finishes and what not, so I may have some things to experiment with in the near future.

Below is a pic by Aquanin of the razor rescaled by Aquanin. This was the begining of the story, but won't be the end

Bob @ OCD Razors

You have a guest room?

Thanks for sharing this wonderful story. It's what makes SRP such a great place. Sharing information, being knowledgeable and helping people.

What is the web site? Those are some nice looking razors.

Max: 3

Shoki: I'm not computery. I think it is on his profile and all of his postings in his signature line.

Bob

That's a story with potential for great pics. I'm thinking that I would love to be a fly on those walls. Pleas say that you. Will share once you are finished? Any chance for a collaboration? Or a collaborative set where Bob makes the frameback and Charlie makes the full hollow? That set would be highly sought after by many on this sight.
Thanks for sharing the story.

-G

Quote:

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Originally Posted by boballman

Max: 3

Shoki: I'm not computery. I think it is on his profile and all of his postings in his signature line.

Bob

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Straight Razor Place Forums - View Profile: spazola

heh I am new and didn't recognize the name... I did recognize the blades however. Very cool!

Sounds like a definite "event horizon" for both of you :D
Hope there are pics to follow ?

Charlie is a very talented man and makes a heckuva good razor. I've got a pair of framebacks and they are both great shavers.

Thanks for sharing that, it'll be interesting to see what you two design and craft in the future.

Great stuff! Gotta get one of each someday.

http://www.lewisrazors.com/#

Great stuff Bob, sounds like tons of fun.

Maybe for the next SE meeting we could have a session on razormaking with all of the seasoned pros doing a little training session like Lynn and Glen did with honing. I'm sure that something could be arranged, as either live or conceptual demonstrations.

thanks for sharing your fun time... wish you had pics :D

This is Saturday morning. I sat down on the couch with a big cup of coffee and was going to type up my adventures of visiting Bob Allman and what I saw - Bob has already beat me to it.

Bob was very generous with both being a host and sharing information. He showed me some grinding techniques that I have been wanting to know how to do. Bob's work methods are very precise and well thought out. Bob is a talented razorsmith and a great teacher.

From eating at the taqueria, to using a KMG, to learning from a master, I had a great time with Bob Allman.

Charlie

Nice, thanks very much for sharing that. It will be great watching how each of you has an influence on the other's work in the future! I'd put my money on fantastic from both of you.

Great story!! Glad I could sort of get you two razorsmiths together. I am in TX too (Austin). I would love to see how you guys make those things someday. Love both of your work!!

2 of my favorite custom makers got together and shared knowledge? Who knows what will happen now... can't wait to see the result :D