Thread: So what is a custom razor?

Exactly my point...

Obviously there is a huge scale in the custom world, at the bottom end someone buys a Polish Wapi and has custom horn scales put on it. Midway might be something like a Maestro Livi, and top end would be something from Tim.

someone could put pine scales on a Wapi, and it would be custom, I wouldn't pay much for it, but that doesn't change the fact that it's had modifications to improve it's appearance and function.
although I would conside a modified Wapi to be customized and not a real custom... unless the Wapi was a regrind...

Part of the custom is the name of the maker... I want that TZ or Livi to be displayed on my razors...
If I buy a TZ, and grind the name off of it, and etch my name there instead how much is it worth? Even if I do the alteration flawlessly, and not even Tim can tell where his work ends and my alteration begins... How much value is lost? 70% 80%?


I have 2 custom handled razors in my collection, a Williams Kudu horn handled Froidur, and a Wacker Buffalo horn handled Dorko. The Wacker could pass for factory, in fact it is absolutely perfect.
The Williams has minor imperfections in the horn, but nature made these. It's a good looking rugged monster of a razor, and the Kudu finishes it. not to mention it's perfect balance.
I like them both.
I recently ordered another Williams, 8/8 HCS mirror polish 1/2 hollow w/spanish point or barber's notch, filework and jimping with a polished natural giraffe bone handle. When he asked me if I had any pattern in mind for the file work, or anything else I asked him to think elegant and classy, and have fun. What's it going to look like? I haven't the foggiest, but I'm sure it's going to be cool.
Do I expect it to be flawless? not really, I don't want any major flaws, but It's being hand forged, hammered and ground. I expect it to look good and shave equally well. If there are minor marks left over from it's creation, I'm not going to be surprised or upset.



And yes the waiting is killing me... My order was placed January 31st.
LoL, I'm fighting of a strong urge to send him a daily Email asking "Is it done yet?