Quote Originally Posted by RobinK View Post
You wanted:
  1. "I want to find him a high quality razor that has a fancy handle."
  2. "I would say I am thinking under $300 USD."

You got:
  1. A razor of dubious quality, albeit with a fancy handle.
  2. Budget exceeded by US$ 50 or more (it will need professional honing, and Ron is spot on with his observation that honing this razor shaped object will require professional skills).

Quick summary: An interesting, unexpected choice. Good luck.
While yes this would not have been my pick/choice I do not see a need to discount toally the OP's choice. In fact, her husband may be more than qualified to hone a "smiler" like this with no issues. Jerry Stark is a small time artisan builder no doubt and while a Ralf Aust 7/8 horn handle we all know would be shave ready the OP bought a gift and razor that I am sure will and can very likely come shave ready and provide a lifetime of shaving quality.

My wife would have never thought nor bought me any razor as a surprise so I applaud the OP/CrabbyCakes. While we all suggested options we should not get tiffed our suggestion was not followed. I like many try to help here in a decision for a person to make a choice based on input. Can you really say you have always heeded advice given and never flew off the limb and crashed???? Doubt it.

So lets support her choice and rejoice in the fact she may have very well scored a great razor for her husband.

To CrabbyCakes I say kudos and even if the razor needs a special honemeister I am sure it will be well received and a gift to be remembered. The only thing I have seen with JS razors is they need a little more attention to final detail and it will be a success.

I am off the box of soap and ready to go to the next thread for great conversation.