Thread: Custom razors

could be temper issues but steel has to do with how fine an edge a razor can take without crumbling. and to set the record straight, I agree if progress in equipment helps, that's good. but by that same theory, why use a straight at all? progress has given us better options. Tc

By the way Victor is watching with popcorn,, hey Victor do you use a water cooled grinder?

I would hate to say that Victor makes the most hollow of the small producers, but he does make full hollow razors. There are some other small producers that make full hollow razors. I think water cooled grinders would be a slippery slope. I’m not sure how that all works out in the long run with water and steel. It seems like a recipe for rust to me. However I know nothing about high production manufacturing of straight razors. I would think the drop forge stamping blanks would do more for production than anything.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

By the way Victor is watching with popcorn,, hey Victor do you use a water cooled grinder?

I personally do not use water directly on the belts [I think that about everyone has a dip bucket] . I think water cooling is more important for the double wheel grinders where heat buildup is more of a problem. It's not like a drip or spray system is hard or expensive to set up. OCD razors used a drip system. Thin razors do heat faster, but the thinness also means that you have to keep the pressure light to avoid deflection. Light pressure = low heat. With single wheel grinders heat buildup is sensed way before your getting anywhere near tempering temperatures of around 400F. Everyone that I know grinds bare hands with the fingertips directly behind the pressure point of the grinding. Heat control is just one of the skills of hand grinding. I don't think that it would be possible for a skilled grinder person, on a single wheel grinder, to ruin the temper of a blade without knowing that he or she did it.

Originally Posted by Pithor

Of course it is all relative, different strokes for different folks, etc. Speaking of strokes, a lot of custom/costume razors I have seen nearly gave me...are really not my thing. A few exceptions (eg. Tim Zowada), but even those demand prices that are not worth it to me.

Like some of you mentioned, custom/costume/artisan razors are about looks and style. However, instead of a car analogy, this illustrates my view on the matter better:

Even if I made filthy amounts of money, I would never, ever buy a guilded toilet bowl with an ivory flusher and diamond encrusted toilet brush.

But again, whatever floats your, errm...boat.

Best regards,

Pieter

Like I keep telling my mother-in-law.............you can't take it with you! I might as well get some enjoyment out of it before the government takes it!


Mike

All really interest stuff ! Bluesman , lovely looking blades matey incredibly fine hollows - love the ‘hot rod’ !

Originally Posted by Ambersnake

I have previously had Thiers but the Riga has been a revelation in my shaves - just get on really well with the feedback , weight of the blade !
I did hear on the grapevine (I may be incorrect) that Riga were looking at a water cooled grinding equipment which would make full hollows a possibility! This i’d love to see ! They get a hollow nailed and combined with their build quality it’s going to be quite a thing !

You are right, I spoke with Sergej a little while back and he did say he was going to invest in a new grinder that would allow him to make a full hollow blade. Cedric Christ makes some amazing full hollow grinds and extra hollow, his work is impeccable.

Oh Christ Celtic don’t give me another name of a beautiful razor maker , I’m already treading on thin ice with my good lady 😉

Wow !! That’s not a razor - that’s just Porn !!

The main difference I see in vintage compared to modern customs is that now a days I see most are made by only one person. I have seen great blades stuck in butt ugly scales and vise versa.

I would like to see a Collaborative Custom. Joining the skills of many that take years to learn.

Originally Posted by 32t

The main difference I see in vintage compared to modern customs is that now a days I see most are made by only one person. I have seen great blades stuck in butt ugly scales and vise versa.

Good Idea! Synergy and synthesis!
I would like to see a Collaborative Custom. Joining the skills of many that take years to learn.

How's this?
Razor. Mike Blue Damascus, Bruno grind and temper, rolodave bone scales
Strop by Hidestoart


I know there others that have been made by a group effort of knowledgeable folks.
~Richard