Anyone can live that dream... :)
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Wow, so jealous right now!
I was also fortunate enough to spend one morning with the Mastro. My experience was not anywhere as detailed as yours but it was still enjoyable. The man's razor wisdom is encyclopedic. Perhaps, I was more impressed by his humbleness and generosity. Visiting his shops is without a doubt a must for any razor enthusiast visiting Italy.
As for me, I am very impressed both for the man he is as well as for his encyclopedic knowledge about straight razor and shaving. His humbleness and generosity are truly remarkable as well as genuine qualities, he is always willing to share his knowledge and wisdom. I agree with you: visiting Mastro Livi workshop is without doubt a must for everyone passionate about straight razors, moreover, living the joy and excitement of watching him making your razor is priceless. Highly recommended!
@Jody, beautiful razor, what a blast to celebrate your birthday like that!
Sorry if I go a bit off topic, I am from the Netherlands. And I would like to learn Itallian, do you reccomend it? Once I've mastered it I could go to his workshop and have a blade created! But that's just a dream, but no in all seriousness, I like Itallian, but I am going to ask you this.
What's worth more, a straigh razor or Itallian lessons? :D
Wow what a freakin awesome chopper! And that level of personal attention is just crazy! THERE is a guy who takes pride in his product. Maestro Livi rocks. I gotta go to Italy some day!
I too love languages and I understand what you mean. As far as I can tell, they say Italian is a difficult language because of the many tenses we use. You should also know many Italians do not speak a "correct" Italian because of this. Whether I do recommend learning Italian, it depends on your interests, also knowing Italian is spoken in Italy only, so I guess you should have a strong interest for my country and our culture, history, art and traditions.
In my opinion it is worth more coming to Italy, visiting Mastro Livi's workshop and getting your piece of art while listening to Mastro Livi speaking Italian! :D
For sure it's a crazy beautiful chopper. I used one of my favourites yesterday, a 7/8th round edge full hollow Dubl Duck. It's amazing the difference I felt using it. With the usual small tang it just didn't feel as balanced in my hand as my gorgeous Mastro Livi Damascus razor.
I've also just spent the last day or so applying Tung Oil to seal the wood and wow, it really brings out the graining of the Amboyna wood. It's a gift that keeps on giving :)
I'd also like to thank everyone for their kind words and birthday wishes. I'm glad I could share this amazing experience with like minded Gentleman who I knew would appreciate the nitty gritty of making it, not just the final product.
Again, if anyone is in Italy near Perugia I'd urge you to visit Mastro Livi's shop and say hi. His display pieces are phenomenal.
Thanks for sharing this beautiful journey, the razor looks awesome!
Did Mastro Livi give you any tips when you shaved in his bottega?
Glad to share. He gave me quite a few tips. He showed me how to strop using his loom strop by making the blade sing at the end of the stroke. Showed me how to strop on my palm (which I'm getting better at). Also explained to me about ways to maintain the edge.
It was fantastic masterclass in all things straight razor.
Mastro Livi would not let any client go out of his workshop without making sure he understood how to use his razor, how to strop and how to take good care of a razor. He is very strict in this. The "Mastro Livi lesson" is part of the experience when you go to his workshop and buy or order a razor. And it is worth every single word of it.
This is an epic post. Thank you for sharing your amazing story and pictures.
Outstanding post and great pics! Would love to experience this at some point and I love Mastro Livi's razors they are beautiful. I wish you many happy shaves from your new kit, I am sure you will treasure it forever :)
Daniel
Jody, I am late in saying so but nevertheless: a fantastic thread, very well written and documented with great photos. As TheLegalRazor said above - Epic! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks everyone for all the great comments. Just a little update.
The blades have really bedded in. It took me a little while to master the Mastro Livi strop. I found I was actually dulling the edge. I was having to go back to my paddle strops, one with Crox then the Latigo to get the sharpness back.
I finally found the solution. I had to use super super light strokes on the Mastro Livi strop and voila. Perfection.
My only issue now is Antonello's prediction.He told me I wouldn't touch my other razors. I was originally planning to use the razors on weekends and special occasions. Well that's gone out the window. I barely touch my other fantastic razors.
The fit of the Mastro Livi to my hand is sublime and the shave even more so.
Great job, Jody! Both for this thread and for the loom strop. To me, very light pressure is the key for everything in straight razors, from honing to shaving. Mastro Livi loom strop works wonders and it is the only strop I use now.
What about talking about YOUR MLRAD, now? :D
This is amazing, thank you for documenting and sharing your wonderful experience!
Wow...absolutely stunning. Happy birthday to you indeed! Now I just have to live until 40 so I can justify doing something similar. :)
$$$ :boohoo: