Thread: New Zowada razors at Classic Shaving

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

Ha, I didn't know they are already out for sale

Yes, looking forward to a shave report myself, especially after reading that they come shave-ready.

As a matter of fact, I'd be willing to swap razors (of similar value) with someone who has one of the Zowadas just so that I can try it - then I'll know better if I "have to have one" - anyone please PM me if interested

Cheers
Ivo

*wonders whether to sell off Maestro Takeda Damascus to free up some capitol*

Dey sho' iz purdy....

Dey sho' iz. Especially the 7/8.
But then me looks at the price and methinks...

WHATEVER...


Sorry Lou. Couldn't resist stealing your thunder.

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?

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 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?

Both Livi and Zowada would be good options, but personally, I would contact Robert Williams (papabull) and ask him to make me a custom razor based on my personal preferences for grind, size, shape and handle type.

That way I'd have a razor that was designed especially for me, and it could even end up costing less than a Livi or a Zowada.

Another option would be Bill Ellis he is a former SRP mamber, and a highly respected custom knife and razor maker.