Thread: What is your definition of a custom razor?

Originally Posted by Scareface

I really don't think what you think about an appearance of a custom razor applies to the definition.
Plus, what you select really isn't someone else's opinion either.

I was thinking from the point of view of the maker.

Originally Posted by 32t

I was thinking from the point of view of the maker.

OOOOps maybe that could be misconstrued. If the customer is happy all is well.

I would say a one of a kind literally with an agreement with the maker to never make the one you had them design. To me that is a true custom. But like PRC and ohters like Bell & Hat and Jerry Stark razors while are not mass produced, they still make several of the same model so I don't necessarily see them as truly a custom.

Back several years ago to give my wife something special for our adoption of our daughter from China I met with a custom jewler in Asheville NC to design a two part/piece necklace pendant in the form of the Yin Yang symbol with apple jade in each piece for my wife and one day my daughter to give to. That was truly a custom piece......one of kind that does not exist anywhere else and was a collaboration of some time between me and the jewler. And then we searched for the best apple jade on the market to use. I have to say, this was not cheap piece to get made. But truly a custom piece.

But that is this man's view on this.

Let me give you an analogy: I have a custom Waterford Bicycle - the frame was handmade in Wisconsin to my specs (and to my measurements). It fits me superbly. If I sold this to someone else, this would no longer be customized to that person. At that point, it's just a bike frame that was handmade in the US --- not customized to the buyer.

Similarly, as people have said here, if the buyer has input in the razor making process, then the razor is a custom razor, otherwise it's an artisanal razor. If the buyer sells his custom razor to someone else, then the new buyer can claim it was custom-made for the original guy ---- that would be accurate, while not downplaying the fact that the razor may be unique in some ways.

I agree with Ron.

If the maker customizes the razor to the buyer's specs them it is a custom razor.

If you buy a blade at Art of Shaving, that is not a custom razor.

You guys are really breaking this down too much IMO. Artisinal vs custom debate is to me like calling the same thing two different names. I just purchased my first custom razor from bruno. I had input on the design, so by the theory listed it truly is custom. However, even if my input was not put into the design, I would still consider it a custom razor. Custom in the sense that no one else can go buy one exactly like it. Another could be made, but they would be like snowflakes. If it's not mass produced in a factory, by a person who makes hundreds a week, it's a custom in my eyes. A razor doesn't have to be customized to a specific individual to be considered "custom" in my eyes. YMMV

Originally Posted by prodigy

Custom in the sense that no one else can go buy one exactly like it. Another could be made, but they would be like snowflakes.

But in reality due to my work in the criminal field no two hammers off the showroom floor of Lowes Hardware are truly identical even though they were made the same day and under the same batch when held microscopically for analysis for criminal prosecution. So if the maker reproduces the one he made for you to a "T" then I say it is no longer a custom one of a kind. I would have an agreement with the maker to never reproduce this razor again clause if it meant so much to me. I did this with my jeweler on a piece I had made. Now could they go behind my back and do it............yes. Would it be ethical.....no. Would I have a case to pursue in court due to the written agreement, yes. Would it really be worth my time in legal battle.........NO!

Just my 2 cents again.

I think we are really splitting hairs and trying to say an orange is a apple and vice versa. I think if you have a razor you did a few changes to for the maker to implement and your happy.....be excited about it! If someone wants the same thing, remember the addage about flattery!

I guess there are just degrees of customization. Likely pretty hard to get a true one off razor that is never to be repeated.

Bob

My mind has been sent into a whirlwind of chaos after reading this thread. As a visual artist for more than 60 years, first as a studio artist and now a fabric artist, I have to say how content I am by never having to distinguish between artisanal and custom. I've never had to produce a painting based on customer input. That would be akin to doing a paint by numbers kit. I've never sewn a wall hanging based on a customer's color preferences. That would be calling me a tailor.

By my definition an Artisan produces a fairly standard product of his/her design, modifying it via natural variations in production (ex: ceramist making shaver's scuttles - no two alike but still the same.) That is the artisanal part of their process. Modifying said product to a customer's specifications, whether in clay or metal then that makes it a unique and customized item despite it superficially looking like similar products.

I agree with what most here say.

For me there is even a difference between custom and customized.
A custom item comes from ideas from the buyer who goes to a creator to get his ideas created.
A customized item comes from the creator who gives variable options and variations one can choose from.

I also believe that the term custom is wrongfully used to indicate that some items are a bit different from others.