Thread: Hello from South Africa

Hi guys, my name is Andries Olivier and I live in Lydenburg, South Africa. I'm a cutler and recently also started making straight razors. I have a beard so I don't care much about shaving other than to make stuff that works for my clients who do.
Pretty sure I'll learn a lot from you guys.
Here's a pic of my first attempt at making a straight razor. Twist pattern Stainless Damasteel blade and bolsters, file worked and anodized titanium liners and elephant Ivory handle.
Hope you like it.

Welcome.
That it very pretty. I would suggest spending some time reading past threads in the workshop regarding the purpose of razor design. They are very different from knives.

One warning: as a bearded man, you might have a few troubles getting your edges down as the only test of an edge that works well is the shaving test. The others have nothing to do with how smooth the edge feels.

Welcome!
Those razors look awesome!

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

Welcome.
That it very pretty. I would suggest spending some time reading past threads in the workshop regarding the purpose of razor design. They are very different from knives.

One warning: as a bearded man, you might have a few troubles getting your edges down as the only test of an edge that works well is the shaving test. The others have nothing to do with how smooth the edge feels.

Thanks for the tip. I guess I will have to test one on my ugly mug one day. There's a few more on the bench so........
I have read up quite a lot on the subject before making the first and studied a few factory examples but must admit I probably don't know it all..... yet

Thank you Sailor.

Hi, those are beautiful razors. Do you sell them? I recently got hooked on straight razors and the art behind them. My girlfriend wants to get me one for my birthday in a few weeks. Any help with this would be awesome. I live in johannesburg and I cant seem to find any razors.
Regards.

I have to say, from what I can see in the photo, those blades and scales sure look very artistic and well crafted.

Hi Andries, a belated welcome to the forums.
I've never heard of cutlers until right now, I guess I had assumed it was all mass produced in tools and production lines these days. I'd like to see some of your cutlery too, do you have a website or something? That cut throat looks amazing! Ivory hey, don't give the poachers too much to do now ok

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

Welcome.
That it very pretty. I would suggest spending some time reading past threads in the workshop regarding the purpose of razor design. They are very different from knives.

One warning: as a bearded man, you might have a few troubles getting your edges down as the only test of an edge that works well is the shaving test. The others have nothing to do with how smooth the edge feels.

Hello, Andries, and welcome to Straight Razor Place. My friend deighaingeal's points are well thought out. Indeed, a straight razor is different from a knife. What's more, the straight razor shaver's requirements are comprehensive. I think doing heavy research in what gentlemen want in their razors will help you considerably. Of course, we'll be more than happy to offer you our thoughts.

Your razors are handsome. I love the blade design and the metal work. The sweeping smile of the blade is reminiscent of the great Sheffield razors. In your photos, however, the shank on the razor appears a touch too slim and skinny. That will make holding the razor somewhat unstable. That could be just the photography and that the shank is actually wide and hefty enough. I can't tell fully from the photos.

Either way this is a good start. Here's to many more fine creations. Stay well.

Olivier, first and foremost I wish to welcome you to SRP. Unfortunately I am forced to ask you to read the rules of membership. we do not condone "sales" in the open forum. These things are reserved for the classifieds section, vendors section and the auction. section. If you truly wish to make straights, you need to learn to use them.

Thank you guys! I appreciate your comment-good or bad.

nun2sharp: I did not post the pic for the reason of selling or looking for clients. This particular piece was sold long before the pic was posted and there's nothing in my post that implies that it is for sale or that I wish to sell any. I apologise if my post gave the wrong impression. I'm here to learn about straight razors and will only try selling them to serious users once I'm satisfied with the product