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Don't know if this post belongs here but will try. Sure the moderator will move it if it is wrong place. Just need a little info. Can anyone give me a line on Tim Zowada razors.Haven't heard any one talk about them.Was thinking about making the plunge but am trying to do a little checking first.Let me know if any body has had any experience and what kind of product could expect.......Thanks, Jim C.:shrug:
I just bought one of his razors and it is 100% top notch IMHO. I usually use a different razor every day, but after I got mine from Tim I used it for almost two weeks straight. Well worth the money that I spent on it - very sharp and pleasing to look at as well. Very high quality of work. I'm pretty sure that I posted a pic in the "Customs" club in the Razor Forums if you want to take a peek.....
Never experienced one myself sadly. I hear nothing but good things about them though.
I honed one not long ago. It went very well (easy to hone) and the edge I got from it was extremely fine. The steel is well formed, well hardened and well finished. His scales are always different from one to the next, so no need to comment.
You guys think they are worth th $700 price tag? That is an awful lot.
I said i'd heard they were good. I didnt say I was flush with cash!Quote:
Originally Posted by zenshaver
Now let me get back to eBay.... :rolleyes:
Yes,I think one would have to be rolling in the dough.:)
Whether someone wants to spend the money on a razor is obviously dependent on the person. When I first started I couldn't imagine paying the going rate for a TZ but RAD is a slippery slope. Fortunately I have another hobby that has slowed down so I was able to sell some of that stuff in order to make the purchase.
For me, they are absolutely worth the money. That's not say there aren't cheaper razors that will shave just as well but the three TZs I have owned have all been beautiful works by a true crasftsman that also happen to be fantastic shavers.
If I could have justified keeping all three I would have but one will have to suffice for now. :eek:
I know. I am really trying not to get one. I love the fact it is damascus though.I almost picked up a damascus knife recently. I am going to get one of those too. After all, it is only money. right?:o
Just a note. Tim also makes his own damascus and has a website worth checking out:tu.
I am fortunate enough to own 2 a 7/8 in purple heart and a 6/8 in rosewood burl, they are 2 very different razors as I believe the 7/8 was one of Tim's earlier models and the 6/8 later but then agaiin Tim being an artist and doing each one individually you will have differences.The 6/8 is more of a standard size 6/8 while the 7/8 is larger then most 7/8 razors in overall size. The razors are perfect in every respect from the metal the grind to the the fit and finish of the scales. To me they shave great and hold an edge great, that said a $100 Dovo properly sharpened will do the same thing. Are they worth it if you can afford it that is something you will have to answer but for me well I got 2 so far :D and you rarely if ever see any of them for sale on any of the shaving forums either and when you do they are gone instantly.
If you e-mail Tim I believe he does take custom orders but all sales go through classic shaving who occasionally gets some in stock as well, if you do e-mail him do give him time but he will get back to you generally within a week or so, in addition to work he has some pressing family issues and I don't think he is always on the pc as some of us are, but once contacted he is excellent to deal with.
I really like mine (I have 3 of them). To me Tim falls into the group of elite razormakers who have really mastered their craft. You can certainly argue how big this group is, but even being pretty liberal, I think we can agree that there aren't that many guys working at this level. Mastro Livi, Joe Chandler and a few others come to mind.
Are these razors worth what they cost? To me, unquestionably, but it is clearly a personal decision.
Is a Tim Zowada razor worth it ??? You better believe it is !!! Now go get your credit card and bring it to the phone ! :rofl2:
I have two of them and they are expertly crafted and very good shavers. If you buy the ready made ones I think they are very understated.
As far as the value question goes one of the reasons they command the prices they do is because Tim is a world class maker and you pay for that and all that goes with it when you buy one. There are other makers who don't have that recognition and their stuff is priced lower though the quality (I think) is similar.
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?Quote:
Originally Posted by glagina
Good question. I don't think so but I guess you would have to ask Classic or Tim. He is a member here and he may be following this thread ? You could always shoot him a PM or better yet examine your Dovo under a microscope or an eye loupe. If there is a double bevel it will be obvious.
Worth it depends on many things but Damascus is very labor intensive to make from what I have read. There is also a point to be made that the guy has a very long waiting list, so go figure. Me personally, I don't care for Damascus and think that they are probably over rated in one of the most important aspect to me and that is the quality of the edge. That is just me though. They are a beautiful thing to behold!
Take care,
Richard
i would like to make a comment on this, i dont own one of these or will i most likely ever while im married lol. but i look at it like this. your paying for a few tings. first off top rate scales. those are crazy looking by them selves. the steel is very hard to make and to get the patterns that he does is hard work. so what i am trying to say is that what you are truely paying for as a tool that is a work of art. something that you can use and then display it. to me that is the true meaning of master craftmans ship. years and years of exiperance, hours and hours poured into the blade, the scales and the true form and fit. as for shaving most likely you can find something cheaper that will shave as well, but will it have the character, the style, the respect that these command. the simple answer is NO it wont. so now lets ask is it worth it, the only thing i could say is that true beauty is in the eye of the beholder and only you can be the jugde.
is it worth it? for me it came down to this: it's not that i NEED it, it's that I WANT it!
Someone want to loan me an extra grand?...Please?:chop:
I'd like to agree with you, but I think I'd have to try the razor out first. :p :DQuote:
Originally Posted by edk442
Thats why we call it RAD it will cost you dearly unless you are very wealthy, but its worth every penny of it too
Tim makes really nice razors for sure. I have two that I really enjoy including a really nice Ivory handled one.Quote:
Originally Posted by raghur
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
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by edk442
Wow! I REALLY like that one!Quote:
Originally Posted by edk442
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.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...e64827-tz3.jpg
I have this work of functional art coming in any day now...
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/u.../78EbonySm.jpg
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!
Well, many of us who make customs do it for the enjoyment and the pride.Quote:
Originally Posted by RayCover
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.
True that.Quote:
Originally Posted by RayCover
beautiful razor... nice to hear it works as well!!Quote:
Originally Posted by PenSword
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.
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/u...r/DSC_0199.jpg
Here's a close up of that stunning blade (please forgive my poor photography, this blade is actually rather tricky to capture).
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/u...r/DSC_0205.jpg
Here's the other side with a nice view of the scale. Ebony but with a hint of red.
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/u...r/DSC_0208.jpg
And now one of the spine. The layering is just stunning to see here:
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/u...r/DSC_0229.jpg
And just to finish off, the whole razor in the presentation box:
http://i649.photobucket.com/albums/u...r/DSC_0221.jpg
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....!
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Bruno
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!