Thread: Help with custom order

I'm currently in the process of having a custom razor commissioned (my rough sketch below). I was thinking of having choils built into the tang to give me a more stable grip. Now, I've been using straights exclusively for about two and a half years, but I just learned tonight (by watching some shaving tutorial videos) that the way I shave is a little odd. I only shave against the grain, and with the handle held parallel to the blade like in the picture. In this configuration, I believe the blade design I've thought up would give me a little better control, but the maker raised some issues about the design's feasibility in the other positions that I hadn't thought of. So my question to all of you is this: is it a really bad idea to break with tradition and use this design, and is it likely that I will change my shaving style in the future and regret my decisions?

Originally Posted by Tsujigiri

I'm currently in the process of having a custom razor commissioned (my rough sketch below). I was thinking of having choils built into the tang to give me a more stable grip. Now, I've been using straights exclusively for about two and a half years, but I just learned tonight (by watching some shaving tutorial videos) that the way I shave is a little odd. I only shave against the grain, and with the handle held parallel to the blade like in the picture. In this configuration, I believe the blade design I've thought up would give me a little better control, but the maker raised some issues about the design's feasibility in the other positions that I hadn't thought of. So my question to all of you is this: is it a really bad idea to break with tradition and use this design, and is it likely that I will change my shaving style in the future and regret my decisions?

Fixed one piece design similar to a Japanese razor?

Sorry, should have made that more clear. No, this will be a folding design.

Nice to see a pal with empiric learning as myself. Took me lots of time and blood to learn to shave better (mainly due to SRP and Youtubers). Self-learned moves and muscle memory are hard to change. Do whatever, man... it is YOUR CUSTOM, I'll retreat to my humble position... only you, after all, can answer your doubts.
Whan I can do for you is to advise... go directly to ATG is a harsh path. You'll, probably, learn with time that going WTG before ATG will give you a softer shaving experience. I, sometimes, just go WTG.
About the design, hmmm, it is your design... it is what you conceive, your kid. I am just a zoologist who sees evolution acting everywhere, from molecules to humans, and the tools they made. The straight razors kept evolving from thousands of years until mid 1900s. I just do not know if a design such a yours, with lots of corners, points, "wadcutter" edges, no stabilization would result in a better shave than traditional designs. Keep in mind you'll be in need to clean and desinfect the razor too.
But all this is just my opinion and my thoughts. Do whatever you want, and I wish you a joyful ride!

As Matheus says, it is your design.

My concern would be the file work on the spine. It "could" be a strop grabber with the exposed points.

Originally Posted by rolodave

My concern would be the file work on the spine. It "could" be a strop grabber with the exposed points.

This was my thought, too. It's one of the reasons I like a cleaner look up there.

Any closed drawings? This doesn't show your tang and tail concept. Looks great so far. As everyone else has suggested. No one wants to restrict your creative nature. There are just some thoughts for "down the road issues" that may arise. JWWT

It's your design & if you can get it made & your happy,,, then that's all that matters.

Interesting design though,,, I'd use the heel of the blade as a gut hook & the back of the spine to scale fish out in the field.

I would echo the makers concern and consider a more conventional tang design with upper and lower jimps . As it stands,it appears it may be very uncomfortable to grip for any stopping or honing motion. Function trumps form when it comes to straights IMHO .

If you only use the razor with the handle straight like a kamisori , why not have it made that way with a shorter handle? Leaving that much length seems problematic with your method. Method us to each person , make the razor fit your method. Have you tryed a kamisori? I have some pretty radical blades myself , giving Bruno the latitude to design some blades. But keep in mind the spine can have a damaging effect on your strop , and this one will be difficult to strop. Have fun with it and if you trust the man you have chosen to create your custom, trust his judgement also. Tc

forgot , I have a Max Sprecher with a heel,like that , I an be lethal