Thread: Are we doing something new and wonderful?

I think in my opinion though, that preservation alone will not waken the sleeping art. It is the taking it to the next level that will inspire more and more people to start using straights.

The quest continues...

I do see some beautifully crafted razors and reading the devotion understanding and skill that individuals use
to craft these beautiful blades is inspiring. I applaud these craftsmen and want them to succeed.

This said, a highly competitive industry was operating for centuries and that industry made some astonishing
products that will always be difficult for an individual to replicate. The industry had specialists that progressed in a full time career to learn every different aspect of razor manufacture. Each manufacturer could offer a whole range of qualities, sizes and types of razor.

I do not think the knowledge of steel or razor design has progressed. No. Replicated, yes. New artistry, yes. But "better" shaving instruments, no.

I do think that the tools available to allow us to DIY a straight razor has improved significantly and the understanding of what works has come on leaps and bounds because of this forum in particular. In the past knowledge meant power and money. But now as a hobby industry, knowledge is shared freely. But try asking Gillette what angle they sharpen their blades at and see the reaction.

Originally Posted by English

I do not think the knowledge of steel or razor design has progressed. No. Replicated, yes. New artistry, yes. But "better" shaving instruments, no.

David said he thinks we are doing more than restoring an old art; we are taking it to a new level. I certainly think the art is being taken to a new level.

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

David said he thinks we are doing more than restoring an old art; we are taking it to a new level. I certainly think the art is being taken to a new level.

Well said sir. The great thing about this forum is that it is pushing innovation wherever it can in the straight razor world. I think that there is plenty left to learn that is not artistic. We have tools and processes available to us today that were not even thinkable at the beginning of the last century. As Dave mentioned in his initial post, Oldblades is using laser etching tools to create detailed marquetry that would have been well outside the scope of the craftsmen of yesteryear. This isn't inlay mind you, they are COMPLETELY PASS THROUGH! The design that he makes is visible on both the inside and the outside of the scale! This is not to even mention the detail that he is able to laser etch on the metal. Now what if those same tools and processes could be used to put an Edge on the blade too? This is but one example of the stuff that is out there. Has anyone ever imagined a ceramic razor blade? Carbon nano-tubes used in the steel make-up? Everyday, someone imagines and realizes something new.