Thread: My Mastro Livi 40th birthday experience

Originally Posted by ama015

What a wonderful story, amazing pictures and great friendship! I am sure you just lived a dream many of us have. Enjoy your fantastic razors, congratulations with reaching 40, and thank you for posting this finest of threads.

Anyone can live that dream...

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.

Originally Posted by Razorthin

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!

Originally Posted by razorguy

Anyone can live that dream...

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?

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!

Originally Posted by meemai

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?

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!

Originally Posted by TulaneBoy

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!

Jody's razor is awesome! Not to mention the brush (I definitely want one!) and loom strop.
Mastro Livi rules! Mastro Livi rocks!
In case you are coming to Italy and visit Mastro Livi workshop, you are welcome and I strongly suggest you that.

Originally Posted by TulaneBoy

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!

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?