DO they out perform a regular razor enough to justify spending 450 dollars on one? What is everyones opinion on Livi WIlliams etc.? Just how great are the shaves they give? They look great and I want one.
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DO they out perform a regular razor enough to justify spending 450 dollars on one? What is everyones opinion on Livi WIlliams etc.? Just how great are the shaves they give? They look great and I want one.
I've got two Williams razors and they shave extremely well. But that is not a sufficient reason to get one - there are other razors that also shave extremely well that are less expensive. My second one (the horn-scaled one on his website, bottom of the gallery) was made to a detailed set of specifications incorporating favorite features from eight different razors (a TIPTLE, a Puma #38, a Wostenholm Celebrated, an Engstrom frameback, a Heljestrand #32, two Watervilles, and a Morely); so while it is an incredible shaver, what made it worth the scratch is that it is *my* razor in every particular.
Wow, sounds like quite a razor. I do not have any much experience with razors so I guess I would not know what I want yet. Seems like it might be more practical to put up the extra doe and get a razor that will suit you forever instead of buying ebay specials all of the time. IN due time I guess
Found the link. This one is the one I was talking about.
Hammered diamond spine inspired by the TI Pierre Thiers LE
Tip shape from a Puma #38
Curvature by Wostenholm
Grind from a Waterville
Hammered shank inspired by a Robeson Shuredge
Jimping from a different Waterville
Thumb notch from a Heljstrand
Thinned shank from an Joh. Engstrom
Scales inspired by a Morely
I own a bunch of Maestro razors and love shaving with every one of them. Not only are they superb shavers, but they have an artistic quality beyond compare. Every one is just beautiful. The Maestro has set the standard for custom razors and continues to do so. Actually his re-grinds are outstanding shavers and a little less money as well. I also own a Zowada, a Williams and a Chandler razor and all of these are nice razors. There are a variety of other razors out there that really are superior shavers too and I enjoy them in my collection as they are different and more traditional, but at the end of the day it's the Maestro Razors and Customs that I leave out and try to shave with every chance I get. Everybody has their own opinion, but a top notch piece of art that is a top notch shave is just the ticket. Some folks like driving VW's and that is fine as is driving a nice top of the line Lexus or even a nice Bentley if that is what YOU LIKE.
Have fun.
Lynn
Agreed, maybe some is the looks but my customs are my absolute favorite shavers.Quote:
Originally Posted by adjustme69
Nope, definately not IMO. You pay the extra money because they are unique works of art, made from rare materials etc etc. I've owned 4 Maestro Livi's and 1 Robert Williams (so far) and I have several other standard production razors which outperformed all of them in terms of shave quality (comfort, sharpness etc.).Quote:
Originally Posted by matt
That's not to say custom razors are bad shavers at all, just you don't need to spend custom money purely to get a great shaving razor.
Steelforge is right in that there are other razors that shave as well as Maestros ect,Ive got a varied collection ,Dovo Prima Klang2,Wedges 4,DovoBone handled Bismark2,Wapenica6, Maestro Livi ATs34 7/8 1.My best Shavers are inorder Maestro then Wapenica .Ive rehandled 1 with Dovo Bone handle from classic shaving.These 2 iuse on a daily basis as they both seem to suit my beard &give me BBS shaves with very little effort. At the end of the day its all down to trial&error to see what works for you.Paul
Customs come down to personal taste, Do you want something handmade and somewhat unique? For me the answer is almost always YES!!! I'm always looking for someone making custom or handmade items I use daily. My kitchen knives are getting upgraded to customs as I find what I use the most. I fully intend to get a Livi Takeda with rams horn scales by years end (I have decided frag-nabit) I think it would be a cool addition to my other Takeda knives :D The hard part will be surviving the wife if she finds out :w
My response is a resounding NO!
For pure shaving quality, there are tons of good vintage and new razors that will shave every bit as well as a custom.
However, I have a Chandler custom that I love (the price was well-below $450 - I don't want to say what I paid for it, as Joe may have changed his prices). The reason to get a custom is to have exactly what you want - especially something that falls outside the parameters of what is available in production razors. My Chandler is a barber's notched, 1/4 wedge (actually just a little shy of a full wedge) that is just over 8/8 (its massive!) with beautiful blackwood scales. To boot its made of a great stainless steel and shaves like a dream. Its a unique razor in a size/grind combination that is unavailable other than as a custom.
That being said, I have lots of great shaving razors (new and vintage) and wouldn't have bought a custom had I not wanted something unique.
To be honest, I think all the talk of custom razors is a little much sometimes and I hate to see newbies (or anyone else) get the impression that you NEED to buy a custom to get a great shave. If you want a custom and have the coin, by all means go ahead, just don't tell me you're buying it for the shave.
Let the flames from the custom-lovers fly!
Hey I have a JC custom on order.. I'll be surprised if it outperforms the top 3 in my rotation (those 3 cost me a grand total of about $60 which includes shipping one of them from the UK and te other from the USA). While I still expect it to be a great shaver, the reason I am getting it is that it will be made absolutely to my specifications. Unusual size, unusual file-work, non-standard scale material and the monkey-tail. In addition to that, Joe does amazing work and I'd like to support the artist. Fortunately I got on the bandwagon before he became too famous :D
I think it's the exclusivity and craftsmanship that makes it worth it. I'll have some customs some day.
Like I said in my razor review the Customs are all fantastic razors but shaving quality is not the reason to buy one. Personally I think no newbee should buy one. You really need to be an experienced shaver to really appreciate these razors plus a newbee is more likely to mess one up either stropping or honing.
At any rate if you can fit it in yout budget its the quality and uniqness and the idea that one guy made this thing and the visuals. Thats the reason to buy one.
That is probably true but at 385 dollars that olivewood 7/8ths is tempting.Quote:
Originally Posted by thebigspendur
The first Livi i acquired was a 7/8 spanish point ats34 in olivewood. it is a superb shaver.Quote:
Originally Posted by matt
it may just whet your appetite for more though. :D
Just remember this, I warned all of you if you buy a Maestro you won't want to use your other razors and then you'll want more maestro's and you won't be able to help yourself and you'll max out your credit then your wife will kick you out and a downward spiral will start in your life. Next thing you know you'll be on skid row toting a box full of Maestro razors in an old shopping cart.
Oh sure you warn me now:cry: I took the first step down that slippery highway to the Maestro's lair six months ago, not that i mind much. i have to remind myself to use other razors generally twice a week... but when a new one arrives... it needs to be used everyday until it is dull, then you remember all the others.
fortunately, or not, still am using cash of course there is always the college funds to raid... maybe the kids will get scholarships.:shrug:
But in seriousness your advice should be heeded. it takes a while and at least a half dozen razors to figure out what you relally like shaving with. Once you have used them all for a while then start thinking about expensive and custom razors. Wouldn't it suck t odrop several hundred dollars on a razor and then decide that you really are much more comfortable with a DE... and so is the wife?
That's very close to what I'm hoping to have made one of these days. Nice.Quote:
Originally Posted by mparker762
I agree with syslight! i started shaving with a straight 4 months ago and my first real razor was a 5/8 Kinfolks Blue Steel Special from Lynn. I stated in the beginning i didn't like any blade bigger than 5/8, now after trying over 30 razors i really like the heft and size of the 6/8 and up blades so now im saving for a custom. So for the new guys you wont no what you really like until you've experienced just about every size, shape of razor out there!
I have experienced a few, TI half hollow Sheffield in a 6/8 5/8 wapienica/ 9/16 wapieica, Dovo 5/8 quality full hollow, W&B 7/8 wedge, and A Sheffield damascus. I have to say that I prefer the larger and heavier razors so far. My favorite being the W&B.
I starting to go back to lighter & smaller blades ie wapinica & dovo prima klang but ive still got the others taylors eye witness 3/4 wedge &maestro 7/8 ect for when i feel the need
AMEN BROTHER! Love my Livi's and if you can afford the luxury, your face will thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
I have to agree with Lynn. I own 3 Livi's and really appreciate his quality, and artistic approach but the shave is exceptional. I have owned most of the manufactured current razors and older razors. When I want to really feel like shaving is pampering myself, I take out my favorite sandalwood cream, badger brush and reach for my Custom Livi. This one I am posting has no equal, so far. I have another Damascus Livi ordered so that may move to the top. Buy razors and don't leave your estate to them IRS!Attachment 236033
I've always thought this business about customs being superior in every way is what I call the car detail syndrome. You know after you detail your car it always seems to run better right?
I have customs of various kinds including Livi's and they all shave great but so do some vintage razors I paid 40 bucks for or some factory blades that cost way less than custom.
To me the reasons to buy custom have little to do with superior shave ability. It's because you appreciate the idea of custom and all that went into its creation and the crafting.
Don't get me wrong I'm not knocking custom razors. If you have the bread it's the way to go.
I just think there is some psychology involved when you pick up that custom just like the car detailing.
Actually, some of the best shaves I've had, came from older razors like Genco's, Puma's and Goldenduck's. When you go past the comfort, ease of maintenance and looks and your want something really special, and have the money, then the custom is a luxury.
Fortunately, SRP is at it's best when our members demonstrate personal support for their chosen path with straight razors. It matters not if it is a mass produced straight razor, or a brilliant restoration, or a true custom made from scratch, or a combination of machinery complimented by extensive hand work much like a modern day Aust razor.
The variety available to us in the way of straight razors is inspiring. Whether you shave with a whupped dog or a beautiful Livi or Tim Zowada masterpiece we all need to respect our brother straight razor shavers ideas and choices. Behaving like a Gentlemen in all respects is the hallmark of SRP.
I guess to each their own. Give me a ordinary German blade most any day that anyone could have bought as long as it shaves like my trusted ones I have now in rotation! Hard to beat Revisor; Aust; Boker; Henckels; and Dovo for price point on most of their razors and what you get in return!
I just got this Mastro Livi and it speaks for itself. Is it worth 3 times an Aust, for shaving quality, no. For beauty, feel and the enjoyment I get looking and using it are worth the money. If you can afford it, and really enjoy the moment using it, yes its worth it. This is a 6/8 Damascus INOX steel, barbers notch and buffalo horn scales.Attachment 238729
I bought this Snail Forge (Bruno) for ease of storage, but it is a DFS too ........... :)
Attachment 238730
