Thread: Custom Straight - What to look for/Questions to ask

Originally Posted by Michael70

Yes I am no expert of the geometry for sure; I just know it is not a knife like one poster stated. There is more to making a razor than making it "look" like a razor. You may be better off buying a nice Ralf Aust if this is your first or similar razor that is made by a company that has been doing so for close to or better than a century now!

I say a German made may be your best first because they (the Germans) seem to be great razor builders for sure! I have yet to have a bad German razor whether my Dovo; Boker; or Ralf Aust!

Just food for thought my friend. If you do look to custom or semi-custom I do have a PRC I had somewhat customized to my liking and while being a USA built razor the guys at PRC, Scott & Hunter know how to build a nice razor for a very good price!

I have a couple of Henckels that I managed to pick up locally but seeing that we are so far removed from the rest of the world, I have to look at alternative means of supply.

Originally Posted by Thug

I have a couple of Henckels that I managed to pick up locally but seeing that we are so far removed from the rest of the world, I have to look at alternative means of supply.

Totally understand. I assume shipping too costly or is it a customs issue???

Originally Posted by Michael70

Totally understand. I assume shipping too costly or is it a customs issue???

The major problem is the uncertainty of actually receiving the goods due to sticky fingers at our international mail centre. Kind of like, once bitten, twice shy!

My thought process was then to perhaps acquire a locally produced custom razor knowing that I would receive it.

If that doesn't work out which is now a distinct possibility because of what I've learned through this thread, I'll have to import utilising a courier service. At least I can then be certain of receiving the goods, albeit at a price premium.

Well I guess someone would then get a good shave.

Originally Posted by Thug

The major problem is the uncertainty of actually receiving the goods due to sticky fingers at our international mail centre. Kind of like, once bitten, twice shy!

Most postal systems offer registered service, which is tracked along the way, stays locked while in storage, must be signed for by the postal workers, and by the recipient on arrival. Even here in US I get valuable packages registered and insured as even if it's rare things still get lost.

So I went to the knife show and to my surprise there was another knifemaker displaying Straight Razors.

This one had designed his blades perfectly. The 6/8" and 8/8" were both half hollow grinds but both razors were finished off with diamond paste and hadn't seen a hone.

Lovely to feel and look at but not for facial hair removal unless you are prepared to reset the bevel and hone from scratch.

Prices were approximately USD300.

$300 will buy at least 2 and possibly 3 very nice vintage razors of outstanding reputation and quality. Check the classifieds.

There are a lot of knife guys who think and have said, the market for razors is ripe for picking.

Buy wisely…

Originally Posted by Euclid440

$300 will buy at least 2 and possibly 3 very nice vintage razors of outstanding reputation and quality. Check the classifieds.

There are a lot of knife guys who think and have said, the market for razors is ripe for picking.

Buy wisely…

[emoji106]

My thoughts exactly!

Originally Posted by Euclid440

$300 will buy at least 2 and possibly 3 very nice vintage razors of outstanding reputation and quality. Check the classifieds.

There are a lot of knife guys who think and have said, the market for razors is ripe for picking.

Buy wisely…

Unfortunately I found this out too late recently....the SR looked like it had been attacked with a Dremel in a couple of places!!
The guy DID state he had "...just introduced our own straight razor, with styling from the likes of T------ and W---& B------"
Maybe he can put a great edge on a Buck knife.....but, IMHO, he has a LOT to learn about honing a straight!! Not a happy camper here!!
But...not to worry....I have a new Ralf Aust 5/8 from SRD....so all's good!!

Close shaves should SOOTHE ya.....NOT SCARE ya!!

One of the things about custom SRs from knife makers turned SR makers I have always wondered about was the design of the blades and in some cases the scales too. Why take the classic SR form and try to make it resemble a Klingon Bat'leth?

Bob