Thread: Test shaves done with "new" razors?

My collection of straights is slowly moving from mostly vintage to "modern" customs for the most part. Modern razors just work better with my hands.

Anyway, a huge portion of my razors have been from Robert. That said, a few have been from others like Butch and Max as well. As we all know customs take time to create, and I've had word back on two of them in the last couple weeks. Both e-mail chains have included the phrase "I did a test shave, and it was great". I was taken aback by both of these as I was expecting a new razor. Yes, the test shave was done by the maker, but to me there is a certain pleasure on using a new razor for the first time.

I asked Robert if he does test shaves and he said no, he relies on his honing knowledge to know the blades will shave properly. This is really what I expect from any custom maker. So I was just wondering what others think. If you pay $500+ for a new custom, do you expect to be the one who shaves with it first? I recently sold a RW Regal Purist for over 25% off what I paid after only one use (it was just too hard for me to hold with my fingers). The steep discount was due to the fact it had been shaved with. Once. How is my one shave any different than the makers "test shave"? Why does my shave count against the value of the razor and theirs doesn't?

Again, just looking for the opinion of others out there.

While I have NEVER bought a new straight. All have been used. It really would not bother me at all.

I would chalk it up to testing the edge. Whether you test it on the arm or face is not really relevant to me.

If Robert is confident that the doesn't need to test shave that only speaks to his confidence or preference.

If Butch or Max use that shave as the last step to confirm in their mind that's fine with me. I would be purchasing the blade on their reputation. If this is they way they ensure their reputation, then that's what I am buying.

Based on their reputations, I'm sure they would skip that step if you asked them when ordering the razor.

When I pay for a new razor that is delivered shave ready, I expect that it has been tested in some way. The ultimate test is the shave test. I am surprised that Robert doesn't test shave his. I saw your ad and it made me itchy to buy, however already having one it seemed pointless, however that steep discount really made me want it. I think you sold it at under market value, and I certainly wouldn't have sold mine that low.

Even new cars fresh off the assembly line are tested. That drive from the factory door to the parking lot, to the auto carriers, off the auto carriers on to the dealer's lot. New and unused is the moment you acquire and use it. All before is part of the manufacturing and approval process.

I would rather It be tested

I would much rather have it tested, a new car gets a test drive to find any problems so should a razor, that's my opinion.

I think most people would rther it be tested. If you want a virgin blade, ask for it specifically. I don't see what the issue is.

All my blades get pro honed every couple yrs,I expect the honemeister to test them with an actual shave test,I have no problem with that.

Originally Posted by wingdo

My collection of straights is slowly moving from mostly vintage to "modern" customs for the most part. Modern razors just work better with my hands.

Anyway, a huge portion of my razors have been from Robert. That said, a few have been from others like Butch and Max as well. As we all know customs take time to create, and I've had word back on two of them in the last couple weeks. Both e-mail chains have included the phrase "I did a test shave, and it was great". I was taken aback by both of these as I was expecting a new razor. Yes, the test shave was done by the maker, but to me there is a certain pleasure on using a new razor for the first time.

I asked Robert if he does test shaves and he said no, he relies on his honing knowledge to know the blades will shave properly. This is really what I expect from any custom maker. So I was just wondering what others think. If you pay $500+ for a new custom...
Again, just looking for the opinion of others out there.

I must say I fell the same as you, not that I have the mega bucks like you. However, when I found my last Rolls Royce had been driven and sold as new I sent it right back. I have a nice pair of Italian shell cordovan hand made shoes now instead - takes a bit longer to get places, but I'm damn sure they were not test-walked!

My last custom was a disappointment, too, I confess to having a few customs. In the literature that accompanied it it said 'hand wrought' so I phoned the maker to ask what that meant - apparently he had pounded it with a massive great hammer. I wasn't having that, no way, so I sent it straight back.

Honestly, what is the world coming to?



Regards,
Neil

Hmm.. your concern for ‘freshies’ made me stop and think. I’m new to the Forum and I’m an individual that in general would share your sentiment about ’first use‘. But, I have to say it would go a long way with me that a Maker checked things out prior to delivery. SR’s for all their beautiful diverse incarnations aren’t exotic cars. You might buy SR’s simply to collect, but in the main, and in the spirit of SRP as I’m coming to know it, yer buying razors for the ’Shave’..yes..

The ‘Test Shaved’ razor is provided by a proud Maker as a ‘proof’.. ‘another level of certainty’ or ‘fitness’ for the Buyer. A 'Test Shave' is actually an express Warrantee of fitness ..the Makers Mark so to speak.


It’s hard to imagine making something so beautiful for someone, not yourself, and not satisfying the yen to know if you’ve ‘hit the mark’..??

On a practical level Makers could simply offer the ‘Option’ Pre-shaved, on not.