Thread: New Zowada razors at Classic Shaving

Originally Posted by mbleck636

I'm new to straight razor shaving. I've been using a feather for a couple of weeks now and have heard many recommending a actual straight. I went to classic and they have new Zowada razors made from Damascus steel. They look really nice. It appears to be a high end razor, if anyone gets one will they let me know how it is. I think I want one

If you are new to straights and you want to buy a high end razor (and it doesn't get any higher than that), go the the buy-sell-trade forum here and buy a couple of cheap (compared to zowada, anything is cheap) razors of different sizes and grinds so that you can try them all out.

Otherwise you might end upo with an 800$ razor that you don't enjoy.

By trying different things first you'll know exactly what type of razor you want to have.

Originally Posted by izlat

Selling a Mastro / Takeda - I don't know... Are you unhappy with the shaves, Iwan? Haven't tried such an animal myself, so I don't know. But I thought they should be some of the best shavers and lookers available right now. I do like Mastro's designs and scales more...

I only mentioned selling my Maestro Takada because I'm terrible for getting itchy feet and just getting bored with things and changing them around. Very often I do that and regret it later (razors, cars, women, guns etc...)!

The only downside about the Maestro Takeda (and I only mention it since you asked), is that it's one of just two razors I've owned that have been a PITA to hone - the other being a TI Damascus. I've probably honed 50+ different razors to date, and all others have been easy to hone compared to those two. Even 2x ATS34 Maestros I owned (same blade shape and size) were easy to hone compared to the Takeda, I guess it's just the weird steel. Having said that, once it's honed right (like it is now - mmmmm ) it shaves just great.

Realistically I don't think I'd sell the Maestro Takeda, it's a VERY unique razor and I'm not sure if any more of the Takeda/Damascus steel is being made any more - making it pretty rare.

I'll just have to save up for a Zowada now, sigh!

Hey I would love to have one of those high end razors but I have two kids going to school and while they look real oretty I can't justify the expense. I guess I'll just keep searching ebay for deals...

I don't care what any one says, when you're paying this type of money for a razor you're so far away from functionality that we shouldn't even pretend its a factor.

I'm sure these razors shave well (as do all of the other high end/custom razors), but lets not kid ourselves or anyone else into thinking that you need to spend this kind of money to get an amazing shave.

If you buy one of these razors or other high end/custom razor, its to have a functional piece of art/craftsmanship. There's also the issue of bragging rights/exclusivity that is part of the whole equation.

By all means, if you have the cash and want one, go for it, but its not about the shave. I've got fantastic Rodgers and W&B razors that cost a fraction of one of these razors and I bet most of us couldn't tell the difference in shaving quality.

Just my $0.02, if its worth that much...

Originally Posted by Bruce

Hypothetically speaking here and assuming I weren't a very recent returnee to cut throat shaving and probably best served by sticking with the servicable and affordable, were I to decide that I needed to buy one of the new ne plus ultras, whose should I buy: the Zowada or the Maestro Livi, or are there others out there I know not yet of?

Doncha just love a long sentence?

Let us not forget Joe Chandler here, I believe one of his razors would be a nice entre to the world of bespoke razors.