Thread: ***!!!MY MASTRO LIVI!!!***

Rich,
If I could afford to buy any razor and could only have one in my collection (some hypothetical lol) I would buy one exactly like yours. Samba Staghorn is my favorate handle material and that blade looks absolutely amazing. I am sure that it is beyond cool to shave with a razor forget by a master Japanese forger and Maestro Levi. The only thing that I would add would be that I am a little skeptical as to how much better the razor would shave than the $50-$60 dollar "clunkers" that you are talking about. I do not own a Maestro Levi; however, I think that a razor is only as good as its edge. Furthermore, I think that a cheaper razor that has been well honed can shave almost as well as a much more expensive razor that has been honed very well. This is not to say that I would not absolutely LOVE to have a very expensive and beautiful razor like this.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

however, I think that a razor is only as good as its edge. Furthermore, I think that a cheaper razor that has been well honed can shave almost as well as a much more expensive razor that has been honed very well.

Well, not exactly true.

All steels are not created equal. Although Solingen, Sheffield, and others produced razors that are proven to be good shavers, none of them is using the advantages of modern "super" steels, like the ATS34 (Maestro's steel of choice), or other "particle" steels, where carbide particles are more evenly dispersed through the crystalline structure, thus improving edge retention abilities.

I don't own razors made of these steels, but will sure like to have (or try) them some day. Joe's and Maestro's work is remarkable, and I bet those make awesome shavers too... I also would like to try forged razors, like some other members are making, or are planning to start making them...


Nenad

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

only thing that I would add would be that I am a little skeptical as to how much better the razor would shave than the $50-$60 dollar "clunkers" that you are talking about. I do not own a Maestro Levi; however, I think that a razor is only as good as its edge. Furthermore, I think that a cheaper razor that has been well honed can shave almost as well as a much more expensive razor that has been honed very well.

It's a good question, with I suspect many answers.

It's a very subjective thing. My Takeda Damascus is definately my favourite razor, in terms of looks, rareity, coolness etc. It's also a very good shaver, but...

...and this is just my personal take, it's not my best shaver. I have two other razors which feel sharper, shave closer and feel more smooth and comfortable. A 5/8 DD Satinedge honed by Lynn (my Avatar pic) and a 7/8 Henckels Friodur honed by me.

It might just be that these razors suit me better for some reason, or that I've not yet 100% figured out how to hone the Takeda yet, or I'm just weird.

Who knows.