As we are getting towards that time of year for giving and receiving I wonder what is on some of your wish lists...shaving that is..not Ferraris..super yachts etc..
Gary
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As we are getting towards that time of year for giving and receiving I wonder what is on some of your wish lists...shaving that is..not Ferraris..super yachts etc..
Gary
1) That Ebony/Sterling 24mm Silvertip brush/stand that Matt's making for me
2) A 1750rpm grinder/belt-sander combo (at least I can dream)
3) Radial bristle disks for my rotary tool
4) A 7/8 and an 8/8 to have all of the sizes available but this is not much of a priority as I'm satisfied with my whole rotation, which is more than large enough with a couple of spares on top.
In all honesty, the only thing I'd really "need" is that brush from Matt to be absolutely satisfied with everything I've got. I'm more preoccupied with the gifts that I'll be sending out lol.
I'm debating between Tony's new bench strop and/or a latigo hanging strop.
Of course with a new strop, you need a new razor!
That's it. Really. Nothing else. Except for maybe a few soaps from Colleen.
RT
1. Maestro Takeda Damascus in 8/8 with either Olive Briar or Crust Ivory scales depending on how flush/stupid I am when I order it.
2. Either a TI Piers Thiers LE handforged, or a Henckels Friodur to send to Gary for new scales. But this won't happen if I order the Maestro.
Yeah , I'm with Iwan. I'd take any high end TI. Failing that, I'd be happy with another antique Sheffield. :D
X
Alex, my problem is the Red Stamina I want is $199! Oh, the humanity!
RT
Peace on earth and good will to men :roflmao :roflmao :roflmao
But, seriously, I'd like a Dremel tool with all the bells and whistles. Also all manner of sandpaper, steel wool and other razor restoration supplies, Urleebird's restoration CD and some time off from my job to start working on restoring some of my acquisitions.
Interesting replies.
I'm now completely satisfied with my new job, the stress removed etc..and my biggest wish is that you all have a splendid time, give more than you expect to receive and love those closest to you.
Oh yeah..nearly forgot...a new brush....maybe a whizbang gizmo for the workshop...some gucci style pinning thingies..you get the picture.
Gary
A wee little razor from Bill :D
I'm going to hunt for a norton 4/8, I already have a coticule and that'll complete my honing ensemble :) (can't go for anything else like a dremel yet since I live in a tiny tiny studio with no 'outside' :D)
You know I never thought I would say this, and mean it, but nothing. I am very happy with my current rotation of razors ( TI is missing but whatever) My silvertip brush was my dads. I have a 4 sided paddle strop from Tony and a regular 3" hanging strop from Dovo. I am happy I guess with what I have. Hummm somthing's wrong here... I know pants to shave in...:roflmao :roflmao
I nice hanging strop from Tony, a nice brush from Matt, a couple of nice razors, oh yea and that Super Yacht to keep them in. Its just for shaving mind you I wouldn't want to use it for anything else ;)
i'd like:
1 - 2 sided pasted paddle from tony(1.0 , 0.5) for easy touch ups instead of breaking out the 12k each time.
2 - radial bristle discs on 1/8shank for my dremel... still can't figure out how to order these things even after that very numeric and indepth reply from gary.
3 - a 6/8th damascus from maestro in that green briar burl or olivewood.
4 - more shelf space in the bathroom from the wife for all my shaving supplies.
~J
My X-mas present is on its way from Tony.
Razor, No1 3" Hanging strop and a 4 sided panel strop pasted on three sides.
And then I gave myself one of Gary's razors which is also on it's way.
It's gonna be a sharp X-mas.
Mats
There have been a few replies that have mentioned his name already, so I don't know if my little present will arrive by Christmas time; but I've also been in talks with Matt about a brush.
From what I can tell, he's a busy man, since he works both a day job and does all of this great custom work for people. Also, I'm told there's a bit of a wait on the material he'll be using for my brush. But I'm sure it will be worth it in the end! :D
I've decided on a 24mm Super Silvertip brush. The handle will be made from hippopotamus ivory.
I like the fact that this brush will be almost 100% creature. Badger hair, as you all know, is nature's perfect bristle...and I think hippo tooth may end up being nature's perfect shaving brush handle material.
Although it's a herbivore, hippopotami are incredibly territorial, and on average, they are responsible for more deaths in Africa each year than any other animal! How cool is that?! Who knows how many tribesman and ignorant tourists the tooth this brush will be constructed from has personally dispatced with!? My brush could totally beat up your brush! Ha ha!
http://www.skullsunlimited.com/graph...amus_Skull.jpg
Personally, I will never buy an ivory anything, because I don't like the fact that animals get killed just for their teeth. It's not like the handle adds anything to the shaving experience, other than 'look at my handle' machismo.
As for my wish list, I think a soap mug would be nice.
Yes, Bruno, I think I must be after some of that "look at my handle" machismo. ;)
I like ivory. Like you, though, I don't approve of animals being recklessly slaughtered solely for this precious material. But if its harvest is regulated and we keep a close eye on population I don't see a problem with it. Animals kill one another for selfish reasons and most often keep the balance. If humans are capable of doing the same, let 'em.
Besides, maybe this particular (deadly) hippo lost his tooth while gnawing on some poor little kid? Heh heh. You wouldn't feel so bad about it then, would you? Also, how do you feel about mammoth ivory? Do you list this pre-historic beast in the "any ivory" category?
b0000urns, that amber idea is actually really cool.
As the maker of the ivory brush in question, I can tell you that hippos are very plentiful in Africa and are culled yearly. Compared to the other animals that produce ivory, hippo is by far the most common and least restricted.
The animals meat is used, the hide is used and many of the tusks are used for local artwork, to be sold to tourists. Remaining tusks are registered, sold to large scale importers and assigned certificates in accordance with international and national laws. Even to get the portion of hippo tusk from the USA to canada, I had to apply for a permit.
Ivory trade and regulation is different from one country to the next. For instance, in Canada, both Narwhal and Walrus are harvested in limited numbers by native populations. They are hunted via traditional means and the hunts are overseen by government agencieswhich take stock of the number of animals harvested to ensure that quotas are respected. These whales and walrus are taken for the food and material they provide and nothing is wasted. Most of the ivory is used locally by native craftsmen and a small amount of ivory is sold, mostly through native run art supply houses. Both of these species are far too remote to be considered for poaching and have stable populations, with quotas being set yearly.
People tend to associate all ivory with the horrible practice of elephant and rhino slaughter widely seen in Africa. I agree that this practice, with the ivory harvested from the animals with chainsaws, hacking the face apart and leaving them to rot is disgusting. I don't and won't support the current trade in ivory, though around 99% of the current illegal ivory trade is in trinkets sold to tourists, rather than large pieces of raw ivory for craftsmen.
For those who think that all ivory is the same and that hippo and elephant ivory are identical, I'll happily provide photos and documentation to prove the opposite.
Elephant and mammoth ivory are similar, but can still be identified individually. Walrus, hippo, warthog and narwhal all have very individual characteristics. There are several other ivories available but they are so rare that they are not worth mentioning.
Regarding amber, I've found a source for Copal amber, or pre amber, but it's about $150 per piece, raw, and would end up costing about $300 or so. It would look beautiful and I'm always on the hunt.
Thanks for reading...
You are rightin that regard. My problem is with illegal poaching, which is causing serious problems for species like rinoceros and the elephant. Poachers shoot them, saw off the ivory let the beast go to waste.
I have absolutely no problems with using ivory from animals that are already dead, like a mammoth (I even admit that this would have me yearning for one)
The big problem with ivory is that you can't tell the difference between the two. And because it doesn't add to the shaving, I simply do not care for ivory at all.
While elephant and mammoth ivory look similar, they are easily identified. To those unfamiliar with them, they may not be able to tell the difference. The key is the angle of the Schreger lines.
In regards to any other type of ivory, be it Rhino, Walrus, Sperm Whale, Narwhal, Hippo and Warthog, they all have individual characteristics and are all easily identified.
"The Identification Guide For Ivory and Ivory Substitutes" was originally developed for the wildlife law enforcement community. It's a great book with lots of pics and diagrams. Give it a look and you'll be able to indentify ivory properly.
As Matt already mentioned, hippopotamus ivory is strictly regulated and he had to apply for a specific permit to get a few fragments into the country. My purchasing an ivory-handled brush is not contributing to illegal poaching in any way.
I have absolutely no problem with it either.Quote:
I have absolutely no problems with using ivory from animals that are already dead, like a mammoth (I even admit that this would have me yearning for one)
If you mean distinguishing the difference between legal and illegal ivory (pre-ban and post-ban), it can be difficult to tell, sure -- if you're totally ignorant of the regulations, that is. Pretty much any piece of ivory you find in North American antique shops is going to be a relic from a bygone era. Either decorative carvings or over-priced, dried-out tusks, which were likely souvenirs from Victorian hunting expeditions to the Dark Continent.Quote:
The big problem with ivory is that you can't tell the difference between the two. And because it doesn't add to the shaving, I simply do not care for ivory at all.
On the other hand, if you happen to come across some tusks in a market in Zambia, you pretty much know what you're getting yourself into.
As for ivory "adding" to the shaving ritual, I suppose that's a matter of personal preference. For someone who hasn't done their homework, I could definitely see it grating on their nerves. "Where did this come from?! What have I done?!"
For someone who has done their research and gone about their ivory shopping in a legal, and therefore humane way:
Blade Wielder stands before his bathroom mirror, holding his hand-crafted, Canadian-made ivory shaving brush, which has just produced a lather no synthetic instrument could ever replicate. After applying the warm, rich and fragant cream to his youthful face, he realizes that his new acquisition makes him feel wealthier. The irony is not lost on him, of course, and he smiles to himself, remembering the hefty sum he paid for his new toy. And then another realization passes over him: the rare, one of a kind brush he holds in his hand has truly taken his shave to another level.. Then, suddenly, the handsome figure in the mirror taps the glass and says, "You, sir, are the picture of elegance and class!"
nicely said, now I want one. Only I think I will go for that Amber... once my lotto ticket pays off.
No shaving stuff... I got enough of that, as it is.
Maybe world peace... :D
My apologies for bringing the thread back on subject, rather than rant about ivory. :eek:
I heard it was part of his Christmas giveaway. Pretty generous, don't ya know... :D
Josh, I knew you were a nice guy but you've REALLY outdone yourself :tu
well i am just getting into all this so the only items on my xmas list is a silver tip brush and some soap mainly becuase i could not wait till xmas for everything else so i used my wages :D , the only other off topic thing i am looking for is a 19" black LCD or TFT monitor,:rolleyes:
1. Old Sheffield steel wedge razor - aquired from Joe Chandler (inlaws holding it hostage until Christmas)
2. Hand American corian bench hone with three leather pads, glass plate, Boron Carbide paste, Chromium Oxide paste, assorted wet/dry sandpaper, super grip paste. (pretty sure the wife has this hidden in the house somewhere)
3. #1 3" Latigo hanging strop from Tony
4. Norton 4/8K
5. Bill's CD, and Lynn's CD
6. Learn how to use all this crap with out cutting off fingers.