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

One of our local knifemakers has made one or two straights and I'm looking at purchasing one from him.

His initial drawing was of a Kamisori type grind but after asking for a symmetrical grind, he's come up with something I like.

However, as a SR novice and never having purchased a custom before (and him being specifically a knifemaker) are there any questions that I need to ask to find out whether it is in fact suitable for shaving. Or is there anything that I need to look out for, as I don't want to end up with an expensive ornament.

BTW, the steel used for the blade is N690 Stainless and the scales are Diamond wood.

Tony there will be people to comment I know. I would be hesitant if they (the knifemaker) has no real idea of a straight razor geometry; types of grinds; and setting/creating bevels; and so on.

They may be a great knife maker but a razor artisan I think is a bit different. Then again, I could be wrong but from what I have read and seen in post and unless they are trained in straight razor making too, I would be leary.

I'd check the spine width to blade height to make sure the bevel angle is right. I wonder if the way the spine curves down before the blade ends at the heel the blade ends would make honing a little difficult. Anyway no expert just a guess.

Bob

I haven't seen the blade in person but from the picture, the spine does look a little wavy.

Fortunately I haven't committed to anything but I will be going to see it over the weekend at a knifemakers show, he's exhibiting at.

The blade you posted is nice as far as looks but I have found that looks unfortunately does not mean a great shaver. Then again, they may be accomplished at making razors for all I know. Like I said, I am sure you will get a lot of useful insight on what to ask and then you can gauge from the maker if they know what they are doing or not from their response.

Good luck.

Take a look at some vintage SRs and I think you will see that the spine width is uniform till after the cutting edge of the blade ends at the heel. As you are going to check it out just see if it will sit flat on the hone or not.

Bob

Agree with others, and not to rain on the parade, but SRs are very personal, and if this knife-maker has made only a few, he may be excellent or he may not. Depending on the price, it might be fun to try, or even better to try if he'll give you a trial run. Otherwise, in spite of the interesting looks of it, I'd pass.

Originally Posted by BobH

I'd check the spine width to blade height to make sure the bevel angle is right. I wonder if the way the spine curves down before the blade ends at the heel the blade ends would make honing a little difficult. Anyway no expert just a guess.

Bob

Absolutely!!!! I bought a custom straight that was made by a knife maker and the blade / spine ratio was totally wrong. It would have needed in excess of 10 layers of tape to build up the spine to hone it. It looked very pretty but in reality, it was a very expensive letter opener. It was certainly an expensive lesson that I'll never forget.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

Absolutely!!!! I bought a custom straight that was made by a knife maker and the blade / spine ratio was totally wrong. It would have needed in excess of 10 layers of tape to build up the spine to hone it. It looked very pretty but in reality, it was a very expensive letter opener. It was certainly an expensive lesson that I'll never forget.

I would have to agree!

Thanks for the feedback Gents. Appreciated!