Thread: Portland Razor Company “Hydra” 6/8 Spanish Point (square) - long winded read

Received a Hydra model with Mahogany scales for Christmas from my Dad. really impressed with the product. Came in a high end box with felt sleeve for the razor. It is really shave ready from the beginning.

Nice to own a modern, high quality, American made Razor!

I know that this thread has been quiet for some time now. Can I ask if anyone has a long term review of their razors? How well does it hold its edge? How easy is it to strop/hone? Any other ideas or comments? Is this a good razor for someone recently started or for someone with more experience?

I am thinking about my second razor (already) and I really like the looks and the first impressions I have read hear but I want something that will not only be cool when I get it, but will stay cool many months later.

Any ideas/input appreciated.

Thanks to all

Originally Posted by wingdo

Well I have been working with Scott on getting a custom Hydra. Looking forward to a final decision on my part today. One of my hold ups has been the look of the scales. The toe end reminds me very much of the Hart design which I really hate. I am thinking about seeing if Scott can double pin the toe side to give it a bit more class.

Update here. A week or so after the above post I settled on a unique set of scale material I found on eBay ( Premium Acrylic Stabilized Double Dyed Maple Burl ). Scott is making a 13/16" Hydra for me, and double pinning the toe side of the scales so the pinning doesn't look so funky.

Hopefully I'll have it in early March and I am looking forward to adding this to the collection. Nice price point for an American built razor.

Originally Posted by wingdo

Update here. A week or so after the above post I settled on a unique set of scale material I found on eBay ( Premium Acrylic Stabilized Double Dyed Maple Burl ). Scott is making a 13/16" Hydra for me, and double pinning the toe side of the scales so the pinning doesn't look so funky.

Hopefully I'll have it in early March and I am looking forward to adding this to the collection. Nice price point for an American built razor.

That's great wingdo! I can't wait to see it. I would like to see one with double pins at the wedge.

I just bumped into this thread. The blades intrigue me and I am tempted. However the scales have room for improvement. Sorry............The finish on the wood needs to be more attractive [ use a sealer and sand to a finer degree ] and the spacer [doesn't look like a proper wedge] should at least appear to be tapered. Please don't be discouraged, just improve the finish on the scales and center or double up on the pins at the wedge end. Good luck...........

I am happy to see that the PRC appear to be doing a good amount of business and have chosen to use thicker bar stock and thinned the tang also. Unfortunately I do not care for the design of the heel of the blade, the scales or the shape of the tail. I would like to see them come out with a more classically styled razor for an old stick in the mud like myself. Who knows maybe they will eventually have a model like that but in the meantime I hope they have continued success.

Bob

Well, a quick read of the linked blog post DOES mention that they do Custom work on request, and that they will be introducing an "Artisan line" of blades in the near future. Personally, I like the idea that I can spend $200.00 USD, and receive a high quality, hand made product, tweaked the way I want it, and delivered to my door.
I will grant that the "look" will put some buyers off, but I think it will appeal to others. As for the scales, from the pictures I have seen the finish quality HAS improved on more recent production razors, so I will wait and see what mine looks like when it gets here in about 8-10 weeks.

Looking forward to my Walnut scaled Hydra . . . ymmv

Originally Posted by engine46

That's great wingdo! I can't wait to see it. I would like to see one with double pins at the wedge.

Like this one Glen did for me

I am hoping my Hydra looks that good. Double pinning the toe, as well.

Originally Posted by BobH

I am happy to see that the PRC appear to be doing a good amount of business and have chosen to use thicker bar stock and thinned the tang also. Unfortunately I do not care for the design of the heel of the blade, the scales or the shape of the tail. I would like to see them come out with a more classically styled razor for an old stick in the mud like myself. Who knows maybe they will eventually have a model like that but in the meantime I hope they have continued success.

I received an email from Scott a couple days ago letting me know that PRC has a new design. I don't think you are anywhere near the only one who doesn't care for the heel side, and it's been redesigned to be more "normal" or vintage like. Here's the blog post on their site with a list of the changes. Portland Razor Co. Blog It's the Feb 17th blog post.

It was nice of Scott to ask me which version I wanted as the new blade seems much improved over the old and I am looking forward to it.