Thread: New Zowada razors at Classic Shaving

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?

Well there is also Robert Williams, Papabull here on SRP, but i have not seen any of his work in Damascus (wootz or pattern welded) so i'm not sure if he does them. His razors are top shelf though.

As for the Zowada razors... i was starting to think about another Mastro Livi... but now i might re-think.

I think when you start looking at razors in that price category you have to ask yourself what am I getting for my money? If you are a razor collector then you have to get one of these because of the maker and his reputation. However if you don't give a hoot about collecting and are just a user you have to take a long hard look at what your getting. The maestro razors are without a question exceptional razors. I don't think you'll find a better shaver period. For the money your getting exotic scales, larger blade, nice case. With these you have very standard designs 5/8s, ho hum scales, I don't know about a case. From where I'm sitting your paying for the name not the product. It may be a fantastically crafted steel but that doesn't concern me, just the shave does. Will it shave better than the maestro or the TI damascus? I don't think so. I don't think I'd be looking to sell my maestro or TI to fund this. Just my humble opinion.

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 read the blurb on CS - it says Zowadas are fantastic shavers!

So here's a suggestion: maybe we can contact Tim and ask him to institute a "try before you buy" program? He can get a deposit in the value of the razor + a small charge, and people can keep the razor for a week or so to try - then they send it back, and someone else can try it. If they like it - they get a custom like it, or the one they tried (need to figure out details). Of course, there will be some rules: no honing of razor, etc. - just stropping on clean linen and leather. When razor is returned in good condition, deposit is refunded (minus the small charge)

This might be a bit out there, but it's certainly more reasonable and easier to do than with Mastro razors, as these would have to come all the way from Europe... unless Lynn stocks them (don't know if he does)

Interesting to hear some thoughts on this. I know of a number of reasons why this might not work - but I like to be optimistic and focus on how to make it work for all.

Cheers
Ivo

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...