Thread: What is your definition of a custom razor?

We went off topic on another thread with the definition of a "Custom" razor.

I would like to hear other's thoughts and I am choosing now not to start with mine and see how it goes.

Any point of view is welcome.

Custom, as opposed to artisanal, would be one that is made with a lot of design input from the buyer. I would not consider selections of permutations of a few options as meeting the level of a custom razor.

In essence, the spirit of "custom," for me at least, means unique.

Agree with Utopian to a point . . . My car is unique, as it is outfitted in a fashion I chose. Others will have selected different options. Does that make my car "custom"? Hardly, despite it's unique nature.

Uniqueness is only part of it. I think the more important part is the input from the purchaser. Like Homer Simpson's car, I may know what I want in a razor, but I do not have the skills to make it a reality.

And that is why I said " with a lot of design input from the buyer." I think we agree more than you thought.

Originally Posted by Orville

Agree with Utopian to a point . . . My car is unique, as it is outfitted in a fashion I chose. Others will have selected different options. Does that make my car "custom"? Hardly, despite it's unique nature.

Uniqueness is only part of it. I think the more important part is the input from the purchaser. Like Homer Simpson's car, I may know what I want in a razor, but I do not have the skills to make it a reality.

I agree. Dovo has many models/options. If I choose to get scale A on blade B is that a custom?

Originally Posted by Utopian

Custom, as opposed to artisanal, would be one that is made with a lot of design input from the buyer. I would not consider selections of permutations of a few options as meeting the level of a custom razor.

In essence, the spirit of "custom," for me at least, means unique.

Good point.

For me I am wondering about the difference between the difference between artisanal and custom.

If I think that it is butt ugly and useless but is that what the customer wants does that make it custom?

If I make something that I think is cool and hope someone else also thinks so and buys it is that artisan?

Originally Posted by 32t

Good point.

For me I am wondering about the difference between the difference between artisanal and custom.

If I think that it is butt ugly and useless but is that what the customer wants does that make it custom?

If I make something that I think is cool and hope someone else also thinks so and buys it is that artisan?

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.

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

Good point.

For me I am wondering about the difference between the difference between artisanal and custom.

If I think that it is butt ugly and useless but is that what the customer wants does that make it custom?

If I make something that I think is cool and hope someone else also thinks so and buys it is that artisan?

Charlie Lewis, my hero, makes artisanal razors. His own imagination yields his unique and personal designs. He makes what he wants to make, and they are put up for sale for whomever wants to buy them.

Some razor makers are willing to make custom razors, which as I suggested, are created by interactions and communications between the buyer and 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.