Thread: Craig Barr Straight razor - Rolling review

Originally Posted by shooter74743

If you are using that 30K, I can answer your question quickly. VERY few razors can handle the fragile edge that stone imparts, less than 5%...most likely closer to 1-2%.

If it's a 8/8 and a 3/16 thick spine razor, the edge is too thin due to geometry. Keep in mind that the normal male whisker is like cutting through a pure copper wire the same thickness.

Agreed, this was the latest try after; Conticule, Shapton, 12 and 16k, Escher, Arkansas translucent, and Jnat failures. And as was stated a "honemaster" on this and the other forums attempts. I will not name him but he sent it back with my money and a note stating he could get it sharp, but not shave ready sharp in his opinion without coming to the same end as me.

Geometry correction was tried with both two, and three layers of tape with full bevel set.

Sounds like a blown HT if bevel set cannot be obtained, but then again it could be the steel. I've had a few in my hands like that, some from my own razor making.

Good of you to speak with the maker in private, even better of the maker to make the offer he did. Win, Win. Win for you to get another blade, good for Mr. Barr to let folks know he's a honorable maker.

I just finished a second one. It shavd my 6 month old goatee effortlessly

Originally Posted by Deermountainforge

Nice looking scales. Do you recall what steel I made it from? In my earlier razors I was using just about any steel , trying to learn what steels would work best. I can certainly send you one of my current razors as a replacement, if you like.
Craig

This right here Folks, a true gentlemen and professional.

Worth mentioning, Craig has already contacted me twice this morning and we are working out the details.

Originally Posted by honorakr

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...
Attachment 189435Attachment 189436Attachment 189437
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).
1/2/1p
-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.

I would would like to see therapeutic with scales

On any large blade one can create scales with a sharp upward sweeping scales without using a lot of material also

What kind of scales are you making?

Originally Posted by wickededge

On any large blade one can create scales with a sharp upward sweeping scales without using a lot of material also

You a re going to have to have a pretty pronounced curve to accommodate the blade. That will make stropping and honing grips a bit of a challenge.

I will do a set of buckeye burl scales Monday

I have already scaled and honed three of CB razors

He is always coming up with something new

That steel is usually on par with the TI Silverwing
One came with the bevel set well and started with the Manila 1000, looked at the bevel and looked good
Then went to a 3k and it showed were I missed a spot so went back to the 1k

The steel is hard but if people are really patient and don't Rush the CB steel I got a super smooth edge that took off a 6 month goatee in single
Passes