Thread: I think I have finally found a better word for "custom" razor

Life is full of chi chis. It is part of the universal desire to set oneself apart from the crowd.

Originally Posted by Kees

Life is full of chi chis. It is part of the universal desire to set oneself apart from the crowd.

That must be part of the reason that I see some outlandish, imo, custom razors. It must be a conundrum for makers to establish their products as different from the others.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

That must be part of the reason that I see some outlandish, imo, custom razors. It must be a conundrum for makers to establish their products as different from the others.

Bob

I think this applies to both buyers and makers: both want to show off.

Originally Posted by Kees

I think this applies to both buyers and makers: both want to show off.

Yes, that is the other side of the equation. There is something for everyone out there regardless if you find it tasteful personally. I buy what I like and others are free to buy what they like. Unless asked directly I do not comment because I don't want to pee on anyone's parade.

Bob

I like the innuendo, Ron. It is not very subtle, but might actually work in this environment.

Fun fact: I've spoken to a number of "custom makers" over the years. You would be surprised who among them said things like "Paua is ghey as duck, but these people will buy it, so what can I do?".

It is, therefore, revealing that you instinctively go on the defence on behalf of the makers - most of whom I consider victims of bad taste, not perpetrators.

Originally Posted by RobinK

I stumbled across this while reviewing a typical Munich restaurant, after having shaved with a vintage Solingen razor. Let's discuss...

I see what you are trying to say, but I would counter that it depends on the design.
And it also depends on the eye of the beholder.

You prefer the minimalist, functional design. Others prefer something much more elaborate. In that sense it's like jewelry. Some people like very modern, minimalist design, and some people prefer victorian style gaudiness.

To each their own. I have orders for both ends of the spectrum. My only requirement for making a customer design is that it is fully functional and that the design does not impede normal use, honing, stropping etc. I have refused several orders for that reason. Other than that, the customer is king.

Originally Posted by RobinK

- most of whom I consider victims of bad taste, not perpetrators.

There is the real nugget of truth in this discussion

The very idea of "Custom" is that you get paid to make what the CUSTOMer wants, The best CUSTOMer is the one that says, "You are the expert, I leave it in your capable hands and my favorite color is XXXXX try and fit that in someplace"

They are few and far between

Are we talking the design of the blade itself or more fit and finish? Because, in my mind, there are many vintage Solingen’s (which I love) that have a fit and finish that could be deemed “chichi”. From Dubl ducks to Globusmen to even my most loved Bartmann razors. They all display a bit of gaudiness in certain models.

However I do think that as long as it works as intended and the end consumer is happy it’s all fine in my book.

Brings to mind the 'bespoke' thread a few years ago, particularly as we see some come to the market as second-hand.
The gaudiest seem difficult to garner near their original price.

Originally Posted by RobinK

Fun fact: I've spoken to a number of "custom makers" over the years. You would be surprised who among them said things like "Paua is ghey as duck, but these people will buy it, so what can I do?".

Then there is that in the mix too. You make what sells and not necessarily what you prefer to make. It is a business after all.

Bob