Thread: 1st attempt making a razor

Also great when the professionals put in advice and encouragement.

It would be very easy to tell people not to bother, razor making is for professionals not for amateurs. It would be easy to treat it as exclusive / mystical knowledge.

It really impresses and encourages me when I read these threads - full of positive, supportive feedback.

Thankyou to all - the brave souls willing to try something new, to learn and share their journeys and the mentors and fans supporting them along the way.

All the best,
Michael... who has bits of steel looking neglected and in need of heating and hitting!

Excellent work you really should consider selling them i'd could be the first test mule for any further projects you might have and even give my time for free


ian

Originally Posted by Deckard

1) Get the best equipment you can, don't be a martar to low tech and frugalness unless you have to. I have to due to financial and SWMBO restrictions. I have to admit I've gone about things the slow and the hard way at times and it's been a PITA, don't be stingy out of pride.
Go for the quicker and easier if it gives you as good or better results.

There is another side though. Let me tell an anecdote.
12 years ago, I visited a cooperage in the highlands. That place was still run like in the olden days, where you apprenticed as a boy in order to be hired later on.

Their apprenticeship started with them learning to make a barrel from scratch, using only the traditional tools that were used more than 100 years ago. They even had to do the steaming and bending by hand. Only after they had completed their 'master piece' were they allowed to start using modern tools like the men working in the factory.

The reason for this was that this way, they really learned to understand the wood and the tools. Personally, I advocate something similar. When it comes to restoring a razor, handsanding a couple of blades and making scales entirely by hand can be a great source of lessons that are missed when you start off directly with power tools.

Thats said, I agree with you that whatever you buy (files, hammers, ...) you bu quality tools and not from the bargain bin. They joy of using good tools remains long after the pain of the initial investment is long gone.

Excellent work there, as someone just starting to restore and hone its an inspiration (but financially worrying) to see where it could lead.

I've watched this thread for a while now but as I really don't know anything about making a custom razor, I really haven't had much to contribute. I do however know something about owning and using custom razors though. I've got a Buddel, a Zowada, 2 Williams, a Harner, a Livi, a Josh Earl and a Bill Coffey (it's in the post) and I would be more than happy to put my name on your list to get a straight made by you.
I take my hat off to blokes like you that are willing to go to the lengths that you do so you can make fantastic razors so blokes like me can shave with and enjoy owning them.

I do however know something about owning and using custom razors though. I've got a Buddel, a Zowada, 2 Williams, a Harner, a Livi, a Josh Earl and a Bill Coffey (it's in the post) and I would be more than happy to put my name on your list to get a straight made by you.
I take my hat off to blokes like you that are willing to go to the lengths that you do so you can make fantastic razors so blokes like me can shave with and enjoy owning them.

Well what can I say.
I'm flattered and honored that anyone would want to own this razor, that is reward enough for me. That and the enjoyment of learning the process. This blade is mainly a demonstration to myself that I have the skills and that it is possible to do on a shoe string budget. Don't get me wrong I have made lots of mistakes but have never once thought of these learnings as failures, failure by definition is something attached to a time limit. I will make another frameback in it's own right again that will be much better than this one.
I am really envious about the customs you own they are top draw razors, any one of those I would just love to own and hopefully will someday. It is just plain indulgent to own 2 Williams (lucky man).
Thank you for your kind comments I did have a lot of help and advice from the mentors here.

Originally Posted by Deckard

It is just plain indulgent to own 2 Williams (lucky man).

Just lucky by being in the right place at the right time. I didn't buy them new so I didn't have to put up with the anxiety of having to wait 12 months for them.