Thread: Tim Zowada Razors

I received this razor today. The packaging is perfect. A very nice textured box and inside it a leather clad jewelry box holding the razor itself. Elegant, functional and masculine.

How to describe this razor? The only way I can compare it is by saying I've driven BMWs, Audi's and Mercedes and these cars compare to my Henckels. I've also driven a Bentley Continental - and this was what the Zowada felt like. Weighty and solid but perfectly balanced with the overal effect of inspiring confidence. It felt very natural and manouverable in my hand despite its large size and thick spine - which by the way is beautifully scalloped.

All it took was about 30 strokes on my English Bridle Leather strop (thank you straightrazordesigns) and it passed a hanging hair test first go. I made sure to lower the hair slowly and it passed the razor, in two pieces without any effort or delay.

Using a mixture of Cremo Cream (not bad stuff, if a little whiffy) and MWF I got a nice rich lather and with the prep out of the way I was ready and excited for my first pass. So how was the shave?

Unbelievable. Literally. I started shaving and thought - damn, too much cream in the lather, the razor is just gliding over the hairs. I barely felt the razor, there was only the faintest sound of the blade on my stubble but there was clearly fresh, smooth shaved skin where the razor had just been. I made only one pass WTG and didn't feel like I needed any more. It was as close a shave as I could want and more comfortable and satisfying as I thought possible. Next time, when I have the stubble a tad longer, I'll have an ATG pass and see what the end effect is.

My other razors have suddenly turned into ugly red-haired step-children compared this Zowada.

The picture above doesn't actually do the razor justice. It is much darker, mysterious and masculine. The finish of this razor is flawless. I'm very particular and I couldn't see a single thing to complain about. The reverse side of the tang is untouched and in speaking with Tim he said if I ever wanted it etched with anything then he could accomodate me given the parameters of Damascus steels.

Tim himself is a lovely guy. He's easy going and wanted his clients to be satisfied. He has a new one for life and I'm already devising strategies and tactics to justify to the wife why I should have another one as soon as possible...

Was this razor worth the price...? Yes!

Originally Posted by RayCover

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.

Well, many of us who make customs do it for the enjoyment and the pride.
Looking only at myself: I make them because I like making them. Selling them is an afterthought, and so far it's more a matter of asking someone if they want to have it at a price which I think is reasonable. I don't count my hours.

There are only 1 or 2 I know of who can turn it into a living.

There is a huge difference with the custom knife market though:
Most people who buy custom razors use them. That is why they are made.
A vast number of custom knives otoh are drawer queens, which is something I despise utterly. It is a shame and an insult not to use a tool in which a craftsman has invested hours and days of his time.

Originally Posted by RayCover

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

True that.

Originally Posted by PenSword

I received this razor today. The packaging is perfect. A very nice textured box and inside it a leather clad jewelry box holding the razor itself.

beautiful razor... nice to hear it works as well!!

i'd love to see a pic of the presentation box. that would be appreciated. Thanks

Here are the two boxes the razor came in.



Here's a close up of that stunning blade (please forgive my poor photography, this blade is actually rather tricky to capture).



Here's the other side with a nice view of the scale. Ebony but with a hint of red.



And now one of the spine. The layering is just stunning to see here:



And just to finish off, the whole razor in the presentation box:



This razor is simply sublime. I received my Men-U Premium brush today and so am looking forward to my Monday morning shave... the simple pleasures of life are elevated to inspirational luxury when performed with tools that represent a man's perfection of his talent.

UPDATE: Mon 24th Oct. I went with an ATG shave for my first pass and I have to say, it was barely any different than my WTG first pass from my first shave with this razor. Wow....!

Originally Posted by Bruno

There is a huge difference with the custom knife market though:
Most people who buy custom razors use them. That is why they are made.
A vast number of custom knives otoh are drawer queens, which is something I despise utterly. It is a shame and an insult not to use a tool in which a craftsman has invested hours and days of his time.

I see your point. I personally don't totally agree. Some of my cusotmers use the works I make for them and others don't. I understand both. I do think it is kind of cool that some customers will actually use my work. But I also understand those who see it as art that has value and should be preserved. I certainly do not find that insulting.

That being said everything I work on and evrything I make is done in such a way that it can be used.

Ray

A plumber recently spent an hour in my house clearing multiple blockages...$500. An electrician charged me $600 to wire my out door spa(2 hours work)...and lets not even get into what lawyers, accountants and doctors charge per hour. How many hours do you think Tim spent forging his Damascus steel), machining and finishing the razor blade, carving and finishing the scales and putting it all together? Best bang for the buck I've ever seen.

Tim is an artist, an artisan and a treasure...generations from now collectors will be seeking his razors out and paying Faberge prices. My newly acquired TZ is now officially a family heirloom that I hope to leave one day to a grand son or future son in law. And, yes, I plan to shave with it every Sunday!