Thread: Custom Razors...Perhaps You Don't Get What You Pay For

That is what sometimes comes with buying one-off's.
It shouldn't be, but the fact of the matter is that it does happen.

In my collection of custom razors, I'd say about one third of them have issues.
Some very small, others have rendered the razor unusable.
Just recently I received one where the grind was so off that the bevels didn't even meet up along the whole razor.
Another one was ground way too much, the blade is soft as butter as a result.

I've never bothered with returning them, nor have I contacted the maker.
I simply take them off my list of makers I will purchase from ever again.

Birnando speaks the truth. I have held a few in my hand which I would not even consider. Sometimes, I add a thin spacer at the pivot on one side to correct this. YMMV

Originally Posted by Birnando

That is what sometimes comes with buying one-off's.
It shouldn't be, but the fact of the matter is that it does happen.

In my collection of custom razors, I'd say about one third of them have issues.
Some very small, others have rendered the razor unusable.
Just recently I received one where the grind was so off that the bevels didn't even meet up along the whole razor.
Another one was ground way too much, the blade is soft as butter as a result.

I've never bothered with returning them, nor have I contacted the maker.
I simply take them off my list of makers I will purchase from ever again.

Interesting - here's an observation, for what it's worth, it seems I see custom razor's in the Classified section quite regularly. At one time, I counted seven customs for sale at the same time. For me personally, when I see the cost of a custom, versus the cost of, for instance, a vintage blade that may require restoration, it's hard to justify a custom in my mind. Just my opinion, as always, different strokes for different folks.....

Originally Posted by Phrank

Interesting - here's an observation, for what it's worth, it seems I see custom razor's in the Classified section quite regularly. At one time, I counted seven customs for sale at the same time. For me personally, when I see the cost of a custom, versus the cost of, for instance, a vintage blade that may require restoration, it's hard to justify a custom in my mind. Just my opinion, as always, different strokes for different folks.....

I see your point.
Out of my rather sizable collection, about one in six is a custom.
That said, the finest of the customs I have does add a little extra to the experience.
Not one of my customs will perform better than my Filarmonica's, Puma's or Heljestrands, but if how they shaved were the only criteria I wouldn't have more than 300 razors in my collection

You should not have to put up with anything but a functional straight razor which would include proper closing properly. I would call the vendor (not the builder) and tell them the razor is being returned via priority mail which will require a signature on their end and thank them in advance for returning the razor to the builder for repair. While it is a manufacturer blunder it is more properly attended to by the seller. I think all of this should have been done, and hopefully it has been done, before you come to us to register a complaint by "shouting" at all of the members here. Did you pay for the razor through paypal? if so you have recourse through them.
Has the seller had a chance to respond to your complaint? Have you called the seller? If everyone involved here from builder to seller refuses to help at the very least you can file a complaint with the local BBB for the palm springs area.
I am sorry this happened to you but there are remedies available and you should be insistent that the issue be resolved.

Well...I do not own a LOT of custom blades (only 3 and one on the way sometime next year) But my experience (first hand) and by way of others (anecdotal) lead me to believe that today's custom razor craftsmen are a dedicated and affable crew who will go waaaay out of the box to make a customer happy. Tim Zowada is the first one who comes to mind. I had some questions/concerns about the razor I purchased from him (which, incidentally is a spectacular bit of goods) and his response and assistance was lightning fast. To top that off, he left me with the understanding that if I wasn't pleased, HE would do what was necessary to put the proverbial smile on my face...and I believe it too!!

Never had any problem or concern with my Robert Williams blade. Did talk with Mr. Williams once...very nice guy. I would like to buy another of his razors one day.

A pending order for a Brian Brown...no first hand experiences here, but everything I have heard about this guy is just apples. All talk around the campfire is that he is a true artisan who really cares about his product. Can't wait until my order is ready!!

Granted, there can be some "issues" with a custom blade, but you have to admit....everyone should have at least one or two, just "because".

PS.."Shouting"?? No, just talking about an experience that others may (or may not) find of interest. Sorry if you took offense...no other posts will follow.

Never gave serious thought to buying a custom razor because of the price point. After reading Birnando's comment about one third of his custom razors having issues I am even more unlikely to purchase one. For the price custom razors are sold for there should never be an issue with them. Less than perfect seems unacceptable to me. I can readily see why the OP might be a tad miffed. I would be. There are easier and cheaper ways to get indigestion.

Bob

Good idea to use research and ask questions before buying customs, just like production ones. Lots of 'new' makers out there these days with no reputation to lose, selling to new shavers who don't know better. Saving money costs quality. Otherwise, you are the guinea pig! JMO

Phoenix51 I was not trying to offend you either. I always take the large font to be a level of shouting. Perhaps my bad.
I am offended that you may think you have to keep a custom or at least semi-custom that does not perform all of it's functions properly. You should not have to live with that after you put out a fair amount of your hard earned money.
I truly believe the seller should be more than happy to take this razor straight back to the maker and demand satisfaction both for the seller but absolutely for the buyer.
I hope this turns out with a better ending for you than you have now. : )

Seller's mission statement. ( A return does require an authorization number issued by the seller's customer service department.) Sellers name ommited by myself.


"Mission Statement -
Xxxxxxx Xxxxxxx.com is committed to providing the highest quality products available, shipping worldwide safely and quickly, providing personal attention to each and every order and customer, and striving to exceed all reasonable expectations.
Considering that men have been doing it for centuries, we believe that shaving is not "rocket science" and should not be presented as though it were. Doing so unnecessarily complicates*the issue*and only diverts attention from the actual facts. It often*seems, considering some of the statements made and advertisements employed, as though diversion may be the*very intent of*some self-serving manufacturers and retailers. In our belief doing so is actually a deceptive and counter-productive anti-consumer policy.
Our philosophy is that keeping it simple is always best. No double-talk or vague promises, no*high costs for dubious value. Just good honest products and techniques that are time-tested and have never truly been improved upon. Quality - Durability - Lasting Value,* the requisite elements of everything we do.
If you're not satisfied neither are we! We will do whatever it takes that is reasonably possible to assure your Total Satisfaction. We realize that between your*local community*and the Internet there are lots of places where you can shop. We appreciate the fact that you chose us, and we value you as a customer. We completely understand that satisfied customers are what keep businesses in business.
Our Customer Service Policy is simple and straightforward - Do The Right Thing."