Thread: The Traveling Razor is Done

I still need addresses for the following guys:

• pmays
• JerseyLawyer
• str8rzrshvr
• Lynn

Send to urleebird@comcast.net put travel razor in the subject line

where we at bump...

Originally Posted by Gawker

where we at bump...

It should be arriving at Vlad's house any day for the box and the first "test".

Well I've been a bit under the weather the last few days which is just one of my excuses for not getting to this sooner, the other being that it's just plain hard to put into words what this razor is like, but I've finally tabulated my review. I know some of you are anxious to get your hands on the little mother, but perhaps you can content yourself with my musings for a little while.

X

X...

Many thanks for taking the time necessary to voice your opinions. I wish I could write as good as you. I might sell more CD's

You are more than fair in your description of the shaving atributes of the stainless on the Dipper. I am not satisfied with the 440, myself, as it is too finicky to keep sharp. I only used 440 out of a need to finish it quickly, thinking it would be fine. 440 is great for knives... not so great for razors. I didn't think Bill Coffey could heat treat ATS and felt I didn't have the time to send the Dipper to Paul Bos. He is the guy who does my ATS. As it turns out, Bill can do ATS... so, next time.

Although I like the heavy handle for the control, I will take some weight out of the handle on subsequent razors like the dipper. I will also go to ATS, A-1, and 01 for standards. I will experiment with a few tighter damascus patterns, too.

Rest assured, my dear X-Man... your fellow man did not hunt the mastadon to extinction. The ice age did it. Minimally, this stuff is 10,000 years old. It is found in the tundras every spring thaw. And if man had killed this one, there would not be any ivory left because it would have been used it for tools. Now, wouldn't it be a total waste not to use that pretty stuff so that it could truly be appreciated?

I will try to thin the blade up some to make it easier to hone and strop. I left it thicker because I figured everyone was going to play around with the honing and leave it a tad out of whack. Leaving it thicker would have let me fix it when it was finished with the tour so I could sell it.

Thanks again, Xman... I appreciate your words.

I don't think I'll be taking it anywhere near one of my hones. Now I know I can get and keep your average CS/SS blade shave-ready, but this is obviously a special case. On top of that, it's a beautiful piece of custom work, so I don't wanna damage the finish.
Now I'll discuss a different piece of artistry. X... You humble me. I can come up with a better than average piece of writing when I put some effort into it, but your review was just amazing. If you ever want to switch careers and get a paper/magazine job, it will speak louder than any resume. At least, I'll be able to say that I've met the famous journalist, while he was living in Toronto

X,

I just read your review and had to tell you that your talent for writing is exceptional. You have a way with words that is a pleasure to read.

I must say that the heavier handle and the hardness of the steel does make honing the razor a new experience but I feel that with some practice I could get it to be a very good shaver. I did not feel that I had the right to practice on this one and will have to wait until I get my own.

The handle also gives this razor ergonomics for shaving that are just unbelievable. It is easier to find a comfortable grip that will let you see and shave at the same time without changing hands. Add to it Bill's creative talent with his master's touch and you have a true work of art.

I also want to thank you for your review of the box I made. I am moved by your praise and your critique. You are completely right in pointing out that blood, sweat and fears are part and parcel of trying to achieve good results. I mistakenly assumed that everyone else has an easier time doing it. Your point was eloquently put and taken to heart.

Thank you.

Originally Posted by urleebird

Rest assured, my dear X-Man... your fellow man did not hunt the mastadon to extinction. The ice age did it.

I suppose we could argue this point till we're blue in the face and ultimately I'd bet we're both right. Put the ice age and the advancement of human hunting together and it seems like a good recipe for extinction to me.

Originally Posted by urleebird

Minimally, this stuff is 10,000 years old. It is found in the tundras every spring thaw. And if man had killed this one, there would not be any ivory left because it would have been used it for tools.

Right you are, and that's when Function trumped form showing greater respect for the animal than mere prestige appreciation.

Originally Posted by urleebird

Now, wouldn't it be a total waste not to use that pretty stuff so that it could truly be appreciated?

Yes. It's put to beautiful use, but ...
No. Form should never trump function, particularly where life is concerned.

... But not to get drawn too deep into an argument which we will not agree on today, if ever ....

Thank-you gentlement for you appreciation. I will endeaver to continue to provide honest, informative and entertaining entries as time permits.

X

In addition to the mammoth and mastadon
a lot of animals went extinct during this same
time period, both in the New World as well as
the Old. And this was actually at the end of
the last ice age. Perhaps a changing enviroment
due to the planet warming up?

In North and South America, the Giant Ground
Sloth, Camels and Horses. In Europe and Asia
the Giant Cave Bear as well. I find it hard to
believe that man was totally responsible for
the destruction of all these species of animals.

But even if he was, I forgive these people. The only
crime they commited was trying to feed themselves
and survive. I'm sure if any of us lived back in those
day we would not hesitate to kill one of these animals
to feed no only ourselves, but our children as well.


Terry

Is it too late to rename it?

It is? Okay, here's my suggestion anyway: "The Nomad."