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Custom Razors...Perhaps You Don't Get What You Pay For
This post is submitted mostly for the purpose of extending a "caveat" to anyone looking to buy a high-end straight razor. Indeed, my displeasure here isn't all that huge. I guess it's more a "principle of the thing" issue more than anything else, especially when the financial aspect is around $375.
So...Scouting around the Web one day, what do I see but a really nice and distinctive custom made razor on the Classic Shaving site. It had just about every feature I could ask for: 6/8 French Point, BEAUTIFUL Honey brown micarta scales (here is the crux of the irony), immediate delivery and a price (which surely not cheap) was not totally over the top.
Being a one-off custom version of a Hart Steel blade (and me being a big Hart Steel fan), there wasn't much left to do other than crack out the plastic and read off the numbers. A week or so, my prize arrives.
Stunning to look at, blade as keen as anyone could ask, shaved like a champ. All seemed just ducky...except....
The blade was significantly off-center when resting in the scales. It was skewed enough where special care had to (and continues to) be taken so the edge doesn't hit the inside of the scale. Now is this a HUGE issue?? Perhaps not; but when spending that kind of geddes for a razor, I would prefer it be "more correct".
E mail the maker...he says he'll make it right. That was around mid-April. Made mention he did not have much micarta around for a set of replacements. I advised that although I really liked those scales, something else would do. Actually what was said was....
"Thanks for the reply. Actually I find the color and texture of the scales currently on the razor quite attractive and would just as soon keep that style........
I guess if I were to change them from micarta, it would be along the lines of something like this..spalted maple has always caught my eye. If the butterscotch were no longer available, that would be most sad, but I suppose black linen micarta would suffice."
...and that was that.
Numerous e mails have gone unanswered. I know the maker is still in business as he has just released a number of new custom blades which are up for sale on Classic Shaving (they look nice too!!).
So, I guess I will continue using this razor as it does perform quite well; it is also nicely balanced and pleasing to look at. But for $375?? I would prefer the blade to center better. I don't think that's unreasonable...
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