Thread: Craig Barr Straight razor - Rolling review

hello people,
As the title implies i'm going to be adding to this post from time to time about my experiences with my Craig Barr razor. In comparison to Dovo or Dubl Duck razors that were make in a more factory setting (both are awesome btw) and have decades of reviews, the Craig Barr razors are forged at deer mountain forge and really doesn't have a lot of reviews or consumer commentary.So here goes...

12/31/14
-I bought it on Ebay , from Craig, and decided to give the razor a shot if anything else just to compare it against my vintage razors. It came in the mail in a package, didn't expect a lacquered box and silk stuffing but a little razor sleeve would have nice. First impressions when i got it out of the wrapping was "good god! that's huge!" Really. it's is close to 1.5x my Dubl Duck in height and the blade itself weights more then a moon ( the hairs on my face were attracted by its gravity). The rat tail on it makes it feel more like a Japanese Kamisori and you will need to make a pair of scales, stock scale will not fit. That being said the workmanship is top shelf and the design is minimalist and masculine overall a very striking razor blade.
1/1/15
-Since the razor is so big i decided to make some scales to fit. Drew the outline and got to work on a design for the scales. Went and got some poplar to make a pair of test scales and refine the design. the wedge ended up being a square 3/16" thick and the scales had to be modified to fit material sizes i could find (not a problem for normal scales big problem for this one).
1/2/15
-First shave with the razor today. Preshave prep with hot shower , facial scrub, and conditioner. I took the scales off for this since the poplar was untreated . face lathered and off i went , the blade felt comfortable and honestly felt great in the hand .Originally i thought tight places would cause problems ( like under the nose) but surprisingly it wasn't an issue. Cut as well as my DD and did not irritate my skin. Only bone of contention is the steel is super hard so i doubled my strops on the canvas and leather.