Thread: Really custom made razors

Originally Posted by Birnando

As tested by seasoned users

This is why I opened the thread in SRP Birnando.
I believe the advices I am getting here are from experienced straight razor shavers.
And if a razor maker makes good looking razors but not good shavers, someone would comment on this I hope.

Thank you again for your help.

Originally Posted by Slur

Snip...

And if a razor maker makes good looking razors but not good shavers, someone would comment on this I hope.

Well, I for one tend to not drop names on products that are artisan made and for some reason dis-pleases me.
It can turn ugly in a hurry, and be very one-sided.

Then again, I can get all panegyrical on the ones that does

So, It's more about reading up on what the seasoned users like than the ones they are silent about!

Originally Posted by Birnando

Well, I for one tend to not drop names on products that are artisan made and for some reason dis-pleases me.
It can turn ugly in a hurry, and be very one-sided.

Then again, I can get all panegyrical on the ones that does

I see.
Thank you for stating so. I knew it works that way in the forums but reminding is always useful.

Originally Posted by Slur

This is why I opened the thread in SRP Birnando.
I believe the advices I am getting here are from experienced straight razor shavers.
And if a razor maker makes good looking razors but not good shavers, someone would comment on this I hope.

Thank you again for your help.

Once you draw up your design, it may also be a good idea to post it on here, so people can comment on things like the tang/ tail being too short, blade size etc. I'm not saying to make the razor that SRP users tell you to, but consider the implications that will arise based on their feedback, and ensure that you're okay with them.

Originally Posted by Amenrab

Once you draw up your design, it may also be a good idea to post it on here...

Is this feasible?

Originally Posted by Slur

Is this feasible?

Maybe, but you gonna need some deep pockets to pay for that engraving ...........

BTW, I like the rough of the blade profile, barber's notch and slight smile to the blade. All I would say is, from my experience, extra long monkey tails look cool but sometimes get in the way of my handling the razor when stropping, honing, shaving. YMMV.

The most difficult part is the handle I believe.

Originally Posted by Slur

The most difficult part is the handle I believe.

Just for clarification, by "handle" you mean the scales ? Or do you mean the monkey tail ? Inquiring minds and all of that.

No scales Jimmy. It must be a one-piece, Japanese-like razor.

Originally Posted by Slur

Is this feasible?

I can't offer that much, as I've only had experience with standard straights, but I don't see any issue with it.
The engraving looks like something Shutterbug would do:



Actually, I've just thought of something. What kind of grind are you going for? If you have the blade face engraved on a wedge, it will gradually fade as you hone it.

As for the cost, I wouldn't worry too much about it. To me, a custom is supposed to be extravagant. This is just a breakdown of the different (arbitary) standards I use.
Cheap - vintage
Good - vintage from a more well known company, new razor, old stubby-tails, etc
Expensive - new TI, kamisori, NOS filly/ japanese/ heljestrand, very well restored vintage
Celebratory - custom.

Some people will disagree though, and will class customs into the "expensive" category, and so will design a razor which costs a few hundred USD, whereas I would go for one which I've drawn out myself, folded steel, exotic scales etc.