Thread: which custom razor maker should I go with?

I've decided that I want to start saving for a custom straight and am leaning towards a Robert Williams. I've also seen Brian Brown's razors (I follow him on instagram) and like his work. What differences would I get between these two makers?

What costs should I expect?

They're both great choices, but to add a bit more spice,

Custom Straight Razors - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Howard

Been there I wanna know differences! And prices haha

For prices you'll have to contact the makers themselves. As for differences, both make a fine razor which will shave you nicely...the rest comes down to what you're looking for in a custom

There are quite a few other makers too....Spazola aka Charlie on SRP also makes straights,and I am sure some other folks will chime in

If I could ever afford one, I would go to Maestro Livi! It is in my bucket list!

David

I would settle for the prettiest and care little for other details. I don't think you can go wrong with any of those custom makers in terms of shave quality.

The two guys im always looking at are Robert Williams and Charlie Lewis. Roberts "Purist" razor I find to be one of the most beautiful razors, in that style. Charlies razors, well, nobody else makes razors like his and he never duplicates the same razor. At least to my knowledge. If you got one from him you would have a "One of a kind." Actually, Straight razor designs has quite a few of Charlies razors in stock right now, ready to ship. I think I've sent 5 or 6 of charlies, razor links to SWMBO for a Christmas wish list.

Both those makers can make you stellar shavers, no question about that.

Others to consider are Charlie Lewis, Tim Zowada, Mastro Livi, Max Sprecher, Joe Chandler and Bob Allman.

I would find it very hard to pick a favorite maker from these guys, if I do have one or two, it has more to do with design elements and less to do with shaving quality.

Prices vary as do differences. A custom is exactly that. You may specify details that impact the price.

For example: the handle/scales could be made from a piece of G-10 that (raw material) cost 5 dollars, or carbon fiber that is about 5 times the price, or a nice burl for 10 times as much, or a more exotic material such as ivory or fossil ivory that can go a bit higher still.

Have that scale embossed, carved, scrimshaw, or jeweled and watch the price rise.

Steel? There are a few ways to tackle that topic also.

In the end, they should all shave quite well, but a custom razor is about more that that (to me).

I like to get certain attributes to the piece. For example: a crisp square heel and jimping top and bottom. Some combinations are pretty rare unless you specify them.

My next custom will likely have a custom lettering etched on the blade.

My point is, make the differences what YOU like and let the guy making it sort out the price. It is up to you to decide value. Then it's a simple matter of comparing value to price