Thread: custom razor decision

Well I am narrowing down the razors I own to the one and only heljestrand frame back. 6/8ths and shaves wonderfully every time. So I am going to have some extra cash on hand, especially if someone buys that W&B in Mahogany scales seen here


SO now I can not stop thinking about owning another perfect or even better razor that I could really call my own. I am debating who I should buy this through. I would like to keep prices at under or around 350. I am thinking 7/8 half to quarter hollow grind, spanish point, with possibly some nice wood scales. I am open to suggestions on this one as I really don't know much about scales. I just want something that looks really cool. Oh, and a spacer of some kind would be nice as well as adjustable pins.

Steel choices are limited due to my budget. While I would prefer a damascus style blade, I can live with ATS 34 or even just carbon. No stainless, but I am open to all other options if they are not to pricey.

That pretty much leaves a livi out of the question as I dont think you can get away with one for less than 400 dollars. Although I have always wanted one, I am sure I can find something similar that is just as good.

Filework, I would like filework on the spine, and possibly a shoulderless blade. Jimped elongated tang and maybe even something etched into the blade like my initials.

So, what do you all think I could come up with for that price. Probably not much but I can hope. I will get a custom razor, it just might quite not be a dream razor yet.

So let's hear those ideas and suggestions even criticisms if you have them.

Thanks for reading a long post

My advice would be to wait and save a little more money and buy the custom razor that you really want. The good news is that it seems like you have a lot of options for around $400 these days.

Originally Posted by matt

I am thinking 7/8 half to quarter hollow grind, spanish point, with possibly some nice wood scales.
Steel choices are limited due to my budget. While I would prefer a damascus style blade, I can live with ATS 34 or even just carbon. No stainless, but I am open to all other options if they are not to pricey.
Filework, I would like filework on the spine, and possibly a shoulderless blade. Jimped elongated tang and maybe even something etched into the blade like my initials.

Sounds much like what I want to get - the wife is going to get me one for our 10th anniversary ... my only issues at the moment are :
I wonder if getting something etched on a damascus blade might look a tad "wrong" somehow.
How much more difficult will honing damascus be than standard carbon or stainless.

At the moment I'm leaning towards stainless but I'm still havering.

I've loved Joe Chandlers work that people have posted here - I've started talking to him but I've not got any prices as yet.

Barney

I have to agree with the above post. Save your money and get what you really want. There is something really special about a razor made to your specs. with no compromise.

Be patient and plan well,

Originally Posted by matt

I can live with ATS 34 or even just carbon. No stainless, but I am open to all other options if they are not to pricey.

Fwiw, ATS 34 is stainless steel. Just don't want you to be disappointed if you spend your hard earned cash on a razor only to find out it's not what you really want.