Thread: The Holy Grail of Straight razors....

I am into an older the better phase right now. so something in the 1780 to 1790's range in nice condition would do it for me . ATM. Lol.

After reading through this thread I've come to a conclusion... I can't decide on my grail razor! I think once I find my grail, my search and collecting (hoarding) may come to an end, so I'm not going to pick one! Although, a Boker 1056 in mint condition with original scales would come pretty close!

Originally Posted by wayne394

After reading through this thread I've come to a conclusion... I can't decide on my grail razor! I think once I find my grail, my search and collecting (hoarding) may come to an end, so I'm not going to pick one! Although, a Boker 1056 in mint condition with original scales would come pretty close!

That's a great selection! They are a very pretty razor. I have one not in the best condition, but need to get it shaving.

Jules Gervais with wide blade

Hope the pic uploads

My 6/8" Wade & Butcher pre 1881 hollow ground with black horn scales shaves like a dream! I don't go so much for pretty but usable. I have a real nice Henry Sears & son 5/8" with a barber notch that is a real smooth shaver. Those type of razors are what they should be, well made tools.

Slawman

My Holy Grail razor is my Mastro Livi with custom stag scales. This is big and heavy but shaves smooth, close with no irritation. Just a pleasure to hold. Fits like part of my hand. I have another one coming that is Damascus with horn scales but I just love the stag scales. I have most of the modern manufacturers and a fair amount of old razors but none hold a candle to this.

For sheer fear of dying poor, I have resisted posting in this thread, but I can only stand so much......<sigh>

I have but one "holy grail" razor, but it is in multiples.

One would be a cased 7 day set, each razor marked as such.

The second would be a pair of these razors in a 1700s'ish style Gentleman’s Necessary Kit. I might live long enough to build such a beast, but I cannot be sure of that, as these razors are not inexpensive.

The razor:

Quite a few years ago, I saw a listing for a Gentleman's or Officers necessary kit for sale/auction... It was of French origin, it had two ivory scaled razors, one pewter shaving soap dish/cover, ivory comb, hair brush, shaving brush, toothbrush, mirror (in the lid), and some other items I no longer recall. It was all inside a beautiful wood case, purple silk fitted interior and of course some sort of exotic figured wood... (I suspect walnut, probably English, but it's been so long... I cannot recall), unfortunately, I cannot find anything similar, pictured anywhere on the internet, using Google or any other known search engine (sigh... even DuckDuckGo let me down).

I really hope to find the time and money to build a similar kit.... Not because it's of any need, but rather just because..... Back in the "olden days" I was a gunsmith, well versed in working with figured wood, linseed oil finishes, hand rubbing.... fitting.... the list goes on. These old things are so beautiful to look at... you know the craftsmen who made it took the very best care when creating these items..... it's all gone today, CNC machining.... laser engraving.... yes, it looks great, but bah.... it's NOT hand made! As much as I love to tinker with computers and stuff... I *almost* hope there is an EMP event that knocks all this crap out... forcing us to go back to using our hands to make things... with no "Wheel of Fortune" to distract the brightest minds......

Regards

Kaptain "Retro Grouch" Zero

For sheer fear of dying poor, I have resisted posting in this thread, but I can only stand so much......<sigh>

I have but one "holy grail" razor, but it is in multiples.

One would be a cased 7 day set, each razor marked as such.

The second would be a pair of these razors in a 1700s'ish style Gentleman’s Necessary Kit. I might live long enough to build such a beast, but I cannot be sure of that, as these razors are not inexpensive.

If he was to do a 7 day set for you, I would think he'd cut you a better overall price on the set, as oppose to price per individual razor. It would be interesting to see what kind of a deal you could negotiate with him.