I just shaved with my new Robert Williams custom straight razor with pre ban elephant ivory scales. All I can say is WoW what a great shave. I now realize how inadequate my other straight razors are. This new razor is a work of art, I cannot believe how smooth the blade was as is glided down my face effortlessly removing any whiskers in it's path. For my first shave I used AOS lemon pre shave oil, QED lime EO soap, mixed with trumpers coconut cream, Kent BK4 brush, and to finish hydrolast lime green tea after shave conditioner. If you are contemplating purchasing a custom straight razor I would advise calling Robert he is a great guy to deal with and you will not be dissapointed, I plan on purchasing another razor somewhere down the line, Robert has earned a loyal customer ..