Thread: Design your own Maestro

OK, so we've all drooled over the various Livi designs, on the Maestro's own site, on Lynn's, on Iwan's FS threads, etc. (we all have right, it's not just me? ).

Soooo... if you were to put together your own spec for a Maestro, a one-off, and money was no object, what would you ask for?

Fossilised mammoth ivory scales, abalone inlay on the tang, damascus steel, custom work on the spine... don't hold back!

...and I'm hoping in about 4 months you guys might just see why I'm asking!

5/8 frameback, with a sintered boron carbide blade in a damascus frame, and ivory scales.

I want a 6/8s tallonite blade with ebony scales.

Originally Posted by majurey

on Iwan's FS threads,

Having tried several Maestro Livi razors, I'd have to say it'd depend whether it would be a daily user or a show piece. For me, handles made of stag antler, ivory, and even some types of horn are just too heavy and throw the balance of the razor right off - producing way too much torque as you move the razor around your face. Also at the moment I find honing takeda/damascus steels is much more difficult compared to carbon steel.

So, daily user. I'd go for a 6/8 or 7/8 width blade in carbon steel or ATS34, with a nice light olivewood handle.

As a show piece. An 8/8 width blade in either takeda damascus or blue tonge damascus, crust ivory scales with malachite/abalone wedge and inlays.

As a daily user, 5/8 carbon steel, custom work on the spine and custom etching on the blade, something that would incorporate my amateur radio call sign. As far as scales, I like something with a little heft, and something that would remind me of my heritage, so buffalo horn would do the trick.

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Having tried several Maestro Livi razors, I'd have to say it'd depend whether it would be a daily user or a show piece.

Good point, Iwan. And I'm going to hedge my bets here. What if you were to spec out a piece which you most definitely would use, say, once a week (a weekender straight for those shaves where you can take as long as you want) BUT because it's going to have sentimental value (just for example, say a 10th anniversary present) you want it to look the biz too?

Just hypothetically speaking...

A 5/8 neo-wootz, figured wenge scales.

or

A 6/8 blue steel, paper micarta scales.

Probably both hollow ground, hammer work visible on the spine. Spike point.

Long monkey tail, hammered spine, barber notch, MOP scales, and amateur radio callsign etched on the blade.
6/8, half-hollow, grip ridges on shank.

Metal: wootz or meteorite
Size: 7/8
Grind: half-hollow
shape: curved like the tooth of a sabre tooth tiger
point: spanish point or barbers notch
scales: wood, same type as Iwans Takeda razor. scales fitting the curve of the blade

jimping on the tang to have a better grip.

Since the razor would hopefully have a future owner (after me) I would want it to have a classic appeal that others could appreciate as well. Initials are out. A Plain 6/8 blade in the Livi style, made of ATS34. As mentioned in earlier posts, heavy scales are not a benefit in a daily shaver so I would prefer some artfully done black ebony scales with a Paua shell wedge, maybe an inlay or two with a classic floral theme. Threaded fasteners for ease of maintenance.

Something I could really enjoy using and that some guy in the future could use and say "man, I wonder where the inspiration for this came from? sure shaves great"

Dave