Thread: "Review" of Frans (Art Razor) "Old Time"

I was hesitant to headline this as a “review”, as I don’t believe I am qualified to give an actual review (due to my lack of broad experience.) However, since I have used a SR dating back to the late ‘80’s (although I took a hiatus for several years since) and I have a ‘few’ SR’s in my collection, ranging from 7/16 full hollow grinds to 8/8 wedges. I figured I, at least, owed the craftsman ‘my opinion and experience’ on my 1st full custom SR. So here we go…

The below SR came from SRP member “Frans”, who owns Art Razor in the Ukraine. This ‘company’ is claimed as “Freelance Masters Club.” I first saw Frans work here on SRP, as most of us did, a few months ago. The photos he posted were truly works of art and I was impressed from the start. Once I decided to contact Frans regarding having a full custom SR made for me, the wheels began turning. And quickly, too! I told Frans the blade style, size and grind I wanted, then basically left the rest to his discretion. I didn’t want to be so particular that I took his creativity away. Yes, this took some courage on my part, as this was a, IMO, rather large purchase. Frans knew I am the owner of a retail firearms shop named “Aces and Eights Firearms.” Hence the incorporation of the laser etching on the blade and spine.

The communication from Frans through the entire process is 2nd to none. I was receiving email updates on my razor nearly every day. While there was a tad bit of communication issues, it was always due to “Google Translator”, not Frans. Sometimes I had to ‘figure out’ what he was trying to say, because the translator put the wrong words in and in the wrong order (at least to my English way of vocabulary.)
Once he shipped, he kept a close eye on the tracking of his work. So close, in fact, upon the day of arrival, he sent me an email at 7:33am to tell me it would be in my hand that day. At 7:42am, I received an email from USPS.com stating the same thing! Lol Frans told me 9 mins BEFORE the post office told me. I thought this was exceptional on his part. OK on to the actual razor.

The blade style "Old Time", Frans told me, was brand new to his "line" of blade styles. In fact, mine is numbered "001." While I have yet to see it on his website, I'm sure it will be added very soon.
Upon its arrival, I could hardly wait to open the package (which was very well packed to prevent possible damage in transit). The magnetic closing box was made specifically for my razor, including my name printed on the box. This is not simply a ‘label.’ The actual box is printed. Nice touch, IMO. Inside, the razor was cradled in foam, cut exactly to match the shape. The razor itself, as you can see, in a true work of handcrafted art. In my limited experience, I carefully examined it, stem to stern. The weight made me know I had a serious piece in my hand. The balance of it felt spot on. While I did not weigh it to compare to, say, my W&B FBU, I would guess it to be just a touch heavier. The scales fit my hand and fingers like a glove. Everything was so smooth…not a sharp edge (on the scales) anyplace. I could not find any flaws…none. From the pin placement, to the wedge shape fitment, to the etching, to the jimps….everything is perfect! I put it under my micro, to take a peek at the etching and bevel. The etching is some of the sharpest lines I have seen from a laser etcher. As I have been a gunsmith since the early ‘90’s, I have built several custom “race” guns for customers over the years. In the past few years, laser etching various parts of my custom guns have really ‘taken off.’ Due to the price of a quality fiber etching machines, I elect to send my etch work out to a couple different subcontractors. Basically what I’m getting at is, I have seen “The good, the bad and the ugly” of laser etching. And Frans is top notch! The bevel was perfect, in my eyes, from toe to heel. Not having a ton of honing experience, I would “Guess” it was finished on a 12K.

Now I just had to wait another 12hrs to take it for a test drive.

After prepping as I normally do, I eagerly took my 1st pass. My 1st thought was, “??? It didn’t shave! I didn’t hear ANY feedback from the blade.” Confused, I went to stretch the skin to take another pass over the same area. This is when I realized there was NO stubble left. It was gone!!! 1 WTG pass and it was gone….zero stubble! I couldn’t believe it. While my ‘normal’ razor is a W&B FBU 8/8, I’m used to some feedback from the blade. Not as much, of course, as from a full hollow 5 or 6/8…but some! Now it’s hard for me to finish my shave, as I’m smiling so big! Lol I did do a ATG pass, but that was all that was needed. Normally, Monday thru Friday, I’ll do a 3 pass shave. And on the weekends, I’ll treat myself (and my wife) to a 3 pass and final water pass for that super BBS feel. This razor just cut my shave time in the mornings down to under 10 mins. This is a good thing and a bad thing, as I don’t get that extra ‘pampering’ I’m use to!

All in all, I am super, SUPER please with the entire process of dealing with Frans. While I do not have another custom razor to compare it to, I would assume it is right up there with the best of the best.

If anyone is considering a SR from Frans, don’t think twice…just do it. It will be well worth it.

Thank you! Thank you very much for your kind words.
Yes, it really can shave right out of the box.
Very glad that there are positive emotions.

That is a beautiful razor. I too am looking into my first custom razor and have visited Frans' website. I guess the hard part is what to get!
Congrats!
Paul

That my friend, is a real show stopper to say the least!!!
From your logo on the blade and box to the club's and spades on the spine ..WOW!
I've seen some of his work here on the forum but had no idea he could take a custom razor to that level.
My only question is..how fast are you going to get another one to put on display in your shop?
Congratulations and enjoy

Pete <:-}

Originally Posted by petercp4e

My only question is..how fast are you going to get another one to put on display in your shop?

Pete <:-}

........