Thread: Custom straights

In the market for spending $800~ on an 11/8 custom. Who makes the best custom straights?

that's like asking whos wife is prettier, you just have to look at their products and decide for yourself. most of the reputable ones will make you a class razor. just beware of all the new guys out there who haven't been doing it that long, they haven't made their bones yet to recommend. you may have to save a little more to get one of the top guys doing a full blown custom, or you may get what you want with something less Tc

Max Sprecher would be my recommendation.

His customs are stunning and he is a genuine person .

Difficult question as everyone has their own opinions.
I have a few but there is many makers I admire and will eventually acquire.
Here at SRP we have Brunos Snail Forge, Silverloaf Customs, Max Sprecher and Viktors Bluesman Blades.
Uriks Kroaat Razors are absolutely beautiful, hes been showcasing them here for a while. Then we have Alis Blade, his razors are stunning and are next on my hit list.
Mastro Livi is a prominent maker, some of his can go way past the $1000 mark though. I really like my Riga Razor, simple but expertly made and great value too. I really admire Joe Edson too.
To be honest I think you'd be happy with any of the ones I mentioned. At the end of the day they wont shave any better than a cheap vintage but thats not the point.

I agree with Mark. Any he mentions will do a good job.

To add to what Mark listed, I'd also add HERR & Razors.
I own two of theirs and they are great shavers.

I read this post earlier this morning,but decided to keep my two cents out of it. Then, it was time for my morning shave and my Snail Forge razor came up for its turn to shave. Several months ago, Bruno had an 8/8 wootz blade for sale. I purchased it and had Bruno put mammoth ivory scales on it. It’s a beautiful razor. But even more remarkable is the shave it gives. In my unbiased opinion, it gives the best one pass shave of any razor I own. It’s not a 10/8 but the weight of the 8/8 and it’s balance gives me no reason to believe that that the 10/8 will not act likewise. I don’t know about his other metals, but wootz is top notch. The wootz may have issues in humid areas, but here in Tennessee, there is no problem.
As to Max Sprecher, I own several of them and always look for a Sprecher that is for sale. Like stated above, they are great razors. The ones I own are 8/8 and are beautifully made and shave extremely well.
The only 10/8 I own is a Riga Razor made in Lancet blade style with rams horn. It’s gorgeous and a great shaver. I’m partial to the Lancet style blades and the workmanship is excellent.
I have a Koraat, and a Brown razor. Both are under 8/8, so I don’t know about their larger razors. I can tell you that the ones I have are excellent.
The Livi’s Are beautiful razors as well, and I wouldn’t let some negative post about Maestro dissuade you from buying one if that is your leaning. Mine give top notch shaves.
I started with a Silverloaf cleaned and scaled Greaves razor. I still love to shave with it, but have never had a custom made by him. His work looks great!
Hope this helps a little. In the end, it will come down to your personal preference.

11/8 is a mighty big razor. I don't think I would like to handle one that large. It would look pretty at that size though.

Mike

I'd say go for someone experienced.
Check out the various clubs around the boards, and read up on seasoned users experience with the makers out there.

I have about 45 of them left, and I'd say that 30 of them shaves beautifully, 15 not so much.

I second Daves recommendation for Herr and razors. You could get a couple razors for the money you are talking.
Simply based on photos of the other makers mentioned I don't think you would go wrong there either. I have not used their blades but enjoy the pics of their work.