Thread: Jerry stark razors

I met Jerry quite accidently while travelling cross country. I stopped into the Knife City Outlet in Arizona after much begging from my sons. I was surprised to see a razor on display there from a small American company (no longer in business) and inquired about it. The gentleman, Jerry, informed me he was the one who made the razors for that company. They parted ways and he struck off on his own. After about an hour of speaking with him I bought razors for the two sons who were with me and another for my oldest son in California who we were on our way to visit. While I was there I asked if he could put Micarta scales on our Dovo Bismarck razors as all they had was the faux mother of pearl ones. What he did was amazing.

Fast forward a few months. The razor I had bought from the defunct company tarnished for some reason - I keep it in an airtight enclosure in gun cloth so it is a mystery why it happened. I contacted Jerry, he offered to fix or replace it. I received it back about two weeks later looking like brand new.

Okay, service was superior. How does it shave? Better than my Dovo or my 40 yo stainless Henckels. It is a bit heavier but is easier to use and gives a better shave than either of the others but I think this is a good thing. This is independently confirmed by my 20 yo son who is home from college. He likes Jerry's razor better. It has less drag, shaves closer, and nicks less.

I started my 16 yo son on a similar razor. No blood bath when he is done. My Dovo is only a few years old but it took me awhile to get used to it, it did not shave any better than my Henckels - razor burn, nicks, etc.

He tells me he is now hand forging his own blades.... Razor number 4 may soon be purchased. No regrets, excellent product, superior service.

I found Jerry when I was looking for someone who could help me make some steampunk scales for my first razor, and that evolved into planning a whole custom razor from the ground up. I passed his info onto the person who may or may not be getting me the razor for Christmas, but even if I have to wait until the New Year and buy it myself I am excited to be getting something from him. At one point he even offered to send me one of his razors to use while he rescaled mine, before I decided to go the custom route. From all I read, both from him and from others, he seems to be a top notch vendor.

I have a couple Jerry Stark razors. They are indeed one of the most meticulously crafted razors I have ever seen. They are easily as finely made as my Zowada (which is kind of the Gold Standard in quality razors). His "extra hollow" grind is interesting. It affords its user a good, close shave for sure. I'll be re-doing the original edge sooner than later; plan on using a coticule as that is my hone of choice. Should prove interesting.

Oh, and Jerry himself?? He is a true gentleman and a real pleasure with whom to do business. He's surely someone to consider when the time comes to perhaps buy a new razor. Doubt you will be disappointed.

Took another trip out west. This time Jerry was a destination. I ordered a custom from him, we emailed back and forth, he sent pictures of the work in progress. It is a 7/8 Spanish point D2 steel blade with G10 scales. It is now number 4 in my collection (Henckel's stainless, Dovo Bismarck 6/8, and a Bell and Hat 6/8). This is the best of the bunch. The Bell and Hat was my favorite. This shaves nicer, smoother, much less drag - and I thought the Bell and Hat had less drag than the Dovo. The first shave was a little awkward owing to the increase in size, getting used to such a different type of blade, etc., but the second shave was great. It glides across my face and I don't have to make as hard of a second pass as I used to with some of my other razors (I make a second pass just because I can, it makes me feel alive. Isn't this why we do this anyway?). All in all, it is a pleasure to deal with Jerry, who delivered it to me himself. He makes a superior product and stands by his work. Thank you.

Dan Peters

Just received my new Jerry Stark yesterday and used it for the first time this morning. All I can say is that
it is simply magnificent! It is a 7/8 using 52100 steel and is quite "hefty" (75 grams). Ebony wood scales.
To say I am pleased with it would be a gross understatement!! Here's a picture (from Jerry's website):

I contacted Jerry and also found him to be very nice to work with. I told him I am not a big fan of the thumb notch having 2 Austs with them. He sent me another design which I really like. He has some very interesting scale material. One is made of birch wood which looks fantastic. I got a Mastro Livi coming with Poplar which I think is really sharp but the birch just looks perfect. In next 2 weeks I will order the razor and once I get it I will post a picture and review. I admit, I am sucker for American Craftsman even though they are hard to find. By the way I think his pricing is very good.

Got my razor and I wanted something simple. Observations: The grind from the tip to the tail is heavier then most razors. Jerry has a real quality product that feels good in the hand and gives a great shave. After shaving with the razor, I wanted a change and contacted Jerry. He is a true gentleman to deal with. Told me to send it back with no argument and we agreed on what needed to be done. I will definitely buy from him again.By the way, the birch scales are amazing and unique.

Originally Posted by jkatzman

Got my razor and I wanted something simple. Observations: The grind from the tip to the tail is heavier then most razors. Jerry has a real quality product that feels good in the hand and gives a great shave. After shaving with the razor, I wanted a change and contacted Jerry. He is a true gentleman to deal with. Told me to send it back with no argument and we agreed on what needed to be done. I will definitely buy from him again.By the way, the birch scales are amazing and unique.

Very nice looking razor!

What do you mean when you say the grind from tip to tail is heavier than most razors and what were the changes you requested? That is one pretty razor!

QUOTE=jkatzman;1662371]Got my razor and I wanted something simple. Observations: The grind from the tip to the tail is heavier then most razors. Jerry has a real quality product that feels good in the hand and gives a great shave. After shaving with the razor, I wanted a change and contacted Jerry. He is a true gentleman to deal with. Told me to send it back with no argument and we agreed on what needed to be done. I will definitely buy from him again.By the way, the birch scales are amazing and unique.[/QUOTE]

I have 1 Stark and another on the way. It is a great shaver and Jerry is a pleasure to deal with.