Thread: Tim Zowada Razors

Originally Posted by edk442

is it worth it? for me it came down to this: it's not that i NEED it, it's that I WANT it!

I'd like to agree with you, but I think I'd have to try the razor out first.

Thats why we call it RAD it will cost you dearly unless you are very wealthy, but its worth every penny of it too

Originally Posted by raghur

On his website he has pictures and explination of the double bevel. He also sharpens all the blades for classic shaving (according to their store clerk in Palm Springs). I don't have one of his razors, but I do have a Dovo that he sharpened, and that is a great shaver. My question is does he put a double bevel on the razors he sharpens for classic shaving?

Tim makes really nice razors for sure. I have two that I really enjoy including a really nice Ivory handled one.

I am not aware of Tim doing any honing for Classic other than his razors and would be very surprised that a new Dovo from there would have a double bevel.

Lynn

Originally Posted by edk442

is it worth it? for me it came down to this: it's not that i NEED it, it's that I WANT it!

That is one of the prettiest blades I have every seen. I think that is what Tim called a "skate"; personally though I dont think that the shape of the scales matchs the blade that well.

Originally Posted by edk442

is it worth it? for me it came down to this: it's not that i NEED it, it's that I WANT it!

Wow! I REALLY like that one!

These are stunning razors, and the new ones he has (with the Spanish blade being available for sale) are simply sublime - go to his Facebook page and see. His design has changed somewhat (for the better IMHO more flowing lines between tang and blade) and the tangs no longer have the large block font USA on them. I very badly wanted to go to the knife show where Tim had 4 of his razors for show but couldn't sort of my flight schedule in time.

With Tim's reputation int eh custom knife market I am surprised you can touch anything he makes for $700. I would have expected it to cost closer to $2K. I am an old timer in the custom cutlery market but new to razors. Apparently the hand made collectible portion of the razor market is still very small and has not grown to the size or acceptance of the hand made knife market. I really thought there would be a lot more guys out there making custom razors than what I have found.

Anytime you buy something hand made and unique it cost money. When you are looking at that type object you are looking at something beyond a utilitarian object. I would be willing to bet if one of the big razor companies had to make one of a kind unique razors rather than mass produce them, most of their customers would die of the sticker shock.

Ray

Are Tim's razors worth it? The answer, imho, is subjective, like many, many things that are straight shaving related. To me Tim Zowada and a few other men occupy the highest professional level when it comes to custom straight razors. The market sets the price based on demand and Tim's razors bring what they bring. I believe his razors shave with the very best in the world and reflect the highest degree of professionalism. And Tim will, as time allows, discuss your TZ razor with you and will hone it for you when it may be required. I enjoy a shave with a Zowada razor and regard it as a real treat. We could not be more fortunate to have craftsmen like him. I think his razors are worth what they sell for. You may find a TZ on the boards once and a great while or you can contact Classic Shaving and politely ask to be considered for addition to his waiting list or contact them to discuss a custom reflecting your thoughts on it. With that be prepared for the wait and the corresponding reward!

I have one Tim Zowada razor in my collection. I bought it second hand and paid around $1000 for it. It's a great razor, both in looks and function. I'm more than happy with my decision to buy it. I'd have to seriously think about whether I'd pay that sort of money for a second but the fact that I'd have to seriously think about it says a lot about their desirability.

I have this work of functional art coming in any day now...