Thread: Alternate materials for blades

Originally Posted by mgraepel

I've shot an email off to Kyocera to see what kind of razor they were testing and I asked if they would be willing to do a small run of straights for some experienced folk to test out. Any volunteers?

Oooh oooh! I'm give it a try.

I've wanted to buy one of their ceramic knives, but I'd hate to have an accident and break it. That, and my wife tells me my Henckels are just fine. Then she waves her hand, tells me I don't need any more knives, and I suddenly feel like I don't need it.

Originally Posted by mgraepel

I've shot an email off to Kyocera to see what kind of razor they were testing and I asked if they would be willing to do a small run of straights for some experienced folk to test out. Any volunteers?

I want to try one also. or maby you can let me have the contact info so I can get some of the mettal?

Mason

There obviously is a fair amount of interest in these. I've sent another email to Kyocera telling them so and I'm asking them if they can produce just the blade (I'm thinking we can take care of the scales) and we'll come up with an agreed-upon size for the blade they trial. Personally, I'm thinking 5/8 as there's already paaka scales available for that size, but I'm open to discussion on that. Also, I'm assuming people would want a hollow grind for this? Kyocera might need a blade to use as a template, so I might be hitting up somebody on the forum to send one out for them to use. Lastly, I really don't think they'd do this for free so there might be a cost involved in getting these. That being said, how many people would seriously be interested in trying out a ceramic razor with the understanding it might not be a feasible option and you'd be out some money if that's the case? Nothing's set in stone with Kyocera yet and I'll post more details as I get them, but I'm going to be persistent with this!

Originally Posted by mgraepel

I've shot an email off to Kyocera to see what kind of razor they were testing and I asked if they would be willing to do a small run of straights for some experienced folk to test out. Any volunteers?

My recollection is that it was years ago and they were just experimenting. Good luck! I don't think they'll run out and do a few of these. The originals were probably lab samples.

They might let you have some samples, but I would be surprized there's far too much liability for them.

I love Boker knives, but ceramic blades suck. There is a reason they have not become popular. They are very expensive, they dull quickly and you cannot sharpen them without lapidary equipment.


I applaud efforts to find the "new" material, but there are plenty of good choices now. If everyone is complaining about stainless, waitele you try titanium

Titanium isn't a bad idea, but there's not a lot of weight behind the blade, so it really changes the dynamics of shaving. Nice thing about titanium is you can still sharpen it with a tungsten carbide sharpener.

I have a reply from a vendor that is willing to give this a shot with tungsten, of all things. She's looking for information on specific measurements. I offered to send her a razor as a template, but I think they want a general idea so they can get to work on a bid. Anyone know the measurements of an average 6/8 for length and width? I already have the height

Count me in on these as well (Me too, me too!!!)
I'm not sure a hollow ground is best if it is being made of an ultra brittle material like ceramic. Perhaps a wedge, or perhaps 1/4 hollow? something with more substance?
Tungsten? thats another idea...
John P.

what about restoring the edge for us? is titanium or tungsten gonna hone up or be able to be pasted back to keenness?

sam

Titanium can be scratched by tungsten and tungsten can only be scratched by diamonds, so honing or stropping should not be an issue as long as you're using the right materials. Here's a video of the durability of a tungsten ring for reference. I actually have one of these on order!

And I'm-a still waiting on measurements. Anyone help a guy out?