G&F 501 6/8 Tortoise razor

I bit the bullet and bought a G&F razor, model and blade size in subject line. I got it Thursday. Anyways, this is my review I posted on another site. I've tried posting a picture on here but haven't had much luck.


Ok, I got the beast honed. A solid 3-4 hours starting on a 1k Chosera, 5 and 8k super stone, and the 3 welsh slate set. It's a smiling razor, so I had to learn rolling x strokes. I was able to get a solid edge on all of the blade except a section about the width odd my index finger toward the heel. However, all I've ever really done with the heel of a razor is cut myself, so I'm not too upset by this. I did a shave and was impressed. Actually, it felt better than the Case and "Guaranteed" razors I've been using. Also is the heaviest.
Likes: Solid razor. Feels like a good razor. Definitely a smooth cutter one honed up and stopped.

Observation: This one needed some fit and finish. The blade wasn't polished at the factory. The blade had a subtle smile to it. Not a problem to me.

Dislikes: While there was a bevel on the blade, it was way too steep and had to be done away with on the hone.

In my not quite so humble opinion, a little more finish work, and this would be a great razor! So far, I'm impressed.

Attachment 173442
Attachment 173443

You might find this thread on new vs old production Timor razors http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-question.html of interest.

Bob

A solid 3-4 hours honing one razor is a very long time, especially for a new razor out of the box. That kind of reinforces what we have heard about the new Timors.

As much as I hate to say it if you are willing to do that much work on a new razor you should have considered a Gold Dollar or similar and saved some money.

I don't know about that. My only issue with this razor was the factory bevel. If it were a kitchen knife, it'd be perfect. It was sharp and all. For a razor, it was just too steep of an angle. I'd have to put at least 6 layers of duct tape on the spine to duplicate the angle on a hone. That was, really, my only issue. Once I got it honed, it's proven itself to give me the best shave I've ever had. It's the only one I have I feel comfortable trying ATG shaving with.

Electrical tape is generally used on the spine for honing. Are you using duct tape?

Bob

No, I didn't use any tape. I was trying to find a way to describe the angle of the factory bevel.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by jte87

No, I didn't use any tape. I was trying to find a way to describe the angle of the factory bevel.

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OK, you had me wondering for a moment. With no tape how wide a bevel did you wind up with?

Bob

Attachment 173546 I'm not sure of the exact width of the bevel, but it isn't quite as wide as a DMT card is thick. If that makes any sense.

Looks OK to me. Must have been as dull as a butter knife with the factory bevel if it was steeper than that. All is well that ends well.

Bob

Yep, at least as far as shaving purposes are concerned. I agree. I'm amazed at how heavy this thing is. I have an old 5/8 Case razor. This thing feels twice as heavy. Then again, the Case stops and skips in heavy hair. This one keeps going.

I have a couple of light 4/8 razors and find if they stop or skip either the blade is not sharp enough or my lather is too dry or both.

Bob