Thread: Esbjerg Straight Razor?

Well, after my first shave with the Esbjerg, I can report that it's one hell of a fine shaver. Not a drop of blood spilled; not a whisker spared.

Despite its size and weight, it felt very comfortable and well-balanced in my hand. So I smeared on some Proraso pre-shave and lathered up with MWF and set to work. I wanted to try the blade without stropping to see how it shaved out of the box -- and it was a little rough. I took a few moments to give it 30 laps each on fabric webbing and leather, then tried again. I was rewarded with a smooth-as-silk shave.

The lack of sound took a little getting used to, but I wouldn't say you get zero feedback from this monstrous blade. I can still feel my whiskers meeting their demise, even if I can't hear it.

The remarkable thing about this blade is that it took exactly ZERO pressure to mow down three days of growth. In fact, I suspect the whiskers may have simply leapt off my face when they saw this fearsome work of art coming their way.

At least for me, this is definitely not a blade to use when half-asleep and rushing to get ready for work in the morning. It's not like my nimble little Aust that would never bite me in a million years. It's more like a half-tamed primal beast that does what you want as long as you show it respect. But the moment you get careless, it'll sink that French point into the corner of your nostril or an unsuspecting earlobe without mercy or remorse. Of course, that simply adds to the thrill of using it.

The bottom line: I can't wait to shave with my Esbjerg again! Before I purchased it, I was a little hesitant to spend so much on a single razor. But now, after a single shave, I don't know why I ever hesitated. This is a great razor. It shaves as well as anything else in my collection, but it is, by far, the most fun to use.

Originally Posted by CtwoHsix0h

Well, after my first shave with the Esbjerg, I can report that it's one hell of a fine shaver. Not a drop of blood spilled; not a whisker spared.

Despite its size and weight, it felt very comfortable and well-balanced in my hand. So I smeared on some Proraso pre-shave and lathered up with MWF and set to work. I wanted to try the blade without stropping to see how it shaved out of the box -- and it was a little rough. I took a few moments to give it 30 laps each on fabric webbing and leather, then tried again. I was rewarded with a smooth-as-silk shave.

The lack of sound took a little getting used to, but I wouldn't say you get zero feedback from this monstrous blade. I can still feel my whiskers meeting their demise, even if I can't hear it.

The remarkable thing about this blade is that it took exactly ZERO pressure to mow down three days of growth. In fact, I suspect the whiskers may have simply leapt off my face when they saw this fearsome work of art coming their way.

At least for me, this is definitely not a blade to use when half-asleep and rushing to get ready for work in the morning. It's not like my nimble little Aust that would never bite me in a million years. It's more like a half-tamed primal beast that does what you want as long as you show it respect. But the moment you get careless, it'll sink that French point into the corner of your nostril or an unsuspecting earlobe without mercy or remorse. Of course, that simply adds to the thrill of using it.

The bottom line: I can't wait to shave with my Esbjerg again! Before I purchased it, I was a little hesitant to spend so much on a single razor. But now, after a single shave, I don't know why I ever hesitated. This is a great razor. It shaves as well as anything else in my collection, but it is, by far, the most fun to use.

I'm very happy to hear that. One day when I get the money, I'm going to get one before they go up in price which happens sometimes...............

I have got 3 Koraat razors 1 8/8 near wedge french point, 1 8/8 1/4 barbers notch and 1 8/8 1/2 spanish point. They suave great!!
Here is a Picture of 2 of them

Great to hear such a positive shave report. I guess, at least for me, when I see something that is hand crafted in Vienna, Austria I kind of expect some form of awesomeness. I'm glad to know that your Esbjerg delivered. Now I can't wait until Ulrik sends mine.
Wishing you many years of happy shaving!

Pete <:-}

Originally Posted by petercp4e

Great to hear such a positive shave report. I guess, at least for me, when I see something that is hand crafted in Vienna, Austria I kind of expect some form of awesomeness. I'm glad to know that your Esbjerg delivered. Now I can't wait until Ulrik sends mine.
Wishing you many years of happy shaving!

Pete <:-}

Thanks! I hope you get yours soon. When you do, I'd love to hear what you think!

Originally Posted by petercp4e

I guess, at least for me, when I see something that is hand crafted in Vienna, Austria I kind of expect some form of awesomeness.

Pete <:-}

They're actually not made in Vienna, Austria; they're made for Esbjerg by Ulrik Beyer (Koraat Knives) in a small village in Lower Austria.

Be that as it may, these are beautifully crafted razors, large but well balanced.
I just got back from Austria and held a few of those razors in the Esbjerg shop in downtown Vienna in my hands.
Koraat takes pride in his craftsmanship and materials he chooses and his bi-color ebony, bog oak, desert ironwood and camel bone razor scales show it.


I also held two of his Damascus steel razors in my hand that had a beautiful damask pattern and similarly beautiful scales.
Price of the Damascus steel razor is almost twice the price of the regular Esbjerg razors, so that will require some reflection.

In any case, I would probably decide to define the razor myself and have it made for me by Koraat which would take about three months according to the Esbjerg manageress.
Taking them out of Austria I will be able to claim part of the VAT back, which should make prices more palatable.

Can't blame a man for wanting to own some of those...


B.

I stand corrected. I did see on the map that Ulrik's village was somewhat outside Vienna but wanted to use it as a reference that was easily pictured by all, especially seeing that Esbjerg is there. That being said I have to say that Ulrik is a great guy and very easy to deal with. He worked with me with some different ideas and helped me design a truly one of a kind razor. It was a pleasure to get to know him and I'm sure he will deliver the razor of my dreams!!

Pete <:-}

I too have been admiring those razors! It is a lot of money to spend on a razor, but they are stunning!

If you use the configurator Ulrik has on his site, you can know the price before. Also for the more capable of us he also does just the blades and kits for lower prices also configurated just for you. I'm not so capable and looking at a finished one from him. Believe direct from him would also be cheaper than from Esbjerg for the obvious reasons.

I purchased an 8/8 Esbjerg in December and have been using it regularly since it came in. This is the largest razor I own, both blade and scales, but I feel it's proportioned perfectly. The edge from Esbjerg was shave ready and working with Erik was a pleasure. It was a good experience from start to finish which was appreciated. No surprises, no problems, and my overall expectations in all aspects were surpassed.

I'm partial to 1/4 hollow to near-wedge blades so this blade, including the weight, was what I expected. I've shaved with a few of my favorite 6/8 & 7/8 blades during the past month and the 8/8 Korat/Esbjerg razor holds it's own in every way. The bevel is small & true, the blade holds a great edge, the balance is good, and I find it extremely comfortable to use. Stropping the blade is worth calling out on it's own. The large blade really hugs the linen & leather nicely; almost as if there were a magnetic attraction.

Nothing here but good experiences and praise for a high quality item.