Thread: Who would you recommend for custom straight?

Hey guys, I have been shaving for awhile with a Feather Club Artist and learning to master the technique (I do have a non "disposable" but I don't use it very much I find the Feather is better than that one and I enjoy chopping up my face on a regular basis ). It is a tough blade to learn on as a new blade is a sharp as it gets (i have already been pounded on this subject, so let's try to stick to topic here! ). I do not want to get another used blade, and I want to get something that I will use and have forever. So, I would like to get an opinion on who would do the best job designing a custom razor for me. If you have other questions to ask me before your recommendation, please let me know and I will do my best. I would also welcome your recommendations for what I should base my criteria on. Here is what I know:

I would like to have a custom blade that incorporates the best materials. As for the blade itself, I don't have a preference for carbon or steel. What I do know is that I would probably not want to spend a ton of time on maintenance, but lasting a long time is more important than easy sharpness. I would like to have the best modern design. I don't have a preference for size but a 5/8 is probably good. If there is any reason to require a larger or smaller size I would like to know why. I have a very sensitive face, I cut easy. I don't grow beards well, I do not intend to ever have beard or mustache or goatee (couldn't grow a good one anyway!). I Like the feather club design as I find it is easy to adapt different styles to. Weight is not a huge factor, although I am used to light weight. Balance IS important. Something eye catching, someone who designs very unique blades, a TRUE artist is what I am looking for. Cost is not an issue.
Thanks for the help!

I would first try everything from wedges to singing hollows in different sizes. Once I knew my real preferences, only then would I spend a nice chunk of cash on a great custom.

Not the answer you probably wanted, but it's the only way you'll really get what you want for the long term.

JoshEarl would be one of my choices, many other good makers are out there.

Frank Warner makes some really beautiful custom razors. True works of art. If money is no object I'd look into a Mastro Livi also. Best of luck to you in searck of your new custom.

Yes, you are right about trying new styles, I probably won't want to do that. I have considered that, but after research, I am pretty convinced that the GOOD customs will be something I can adapt to. I also believe that it is likely that the hollow is the best for my face as I don't grow beards and they are probably best for my face type.BUT as long as a blade is well balanced, I can adapt to any.I have also found that IF something is well designed, at least for me, I learn to master THAT and then it becomes MY preferance. Plus, knowing me, I would go hog wild and buy a bazillion razors. Which in the long run would add a ton more cost as the customs are not cheap. So, if I am going to spend REAL money, I am going to do it right. I don't need to collect, although afterward, maybe I WILL, just for fun. This is a good point though, how about this: Can anyone tell me what they think the most important factors to consider would be IN order? I have researched this, I would be curious to see what people say. Also, does anyone have any examples (and THANKS for those who have provided some) of what THEY THINK is the COOLEST blade they have ever seen? One thing that I believe is that for ME, vintage doesn't hold the same appeal as a modern masters design with the benefit of time and artistry. Like it or not the Feather Club IS well designed, and it is difficult to master. I have even thought it woud be fun to do a contest where I sent my Feather artist around and saw if anyone could shave themselves with at least two passes without nicking themselves on a new blade (I have it all worked out if there is any interest, haha)

I would personally get something like a half-hollow 6/8" to 7/8", ebony wood or Micarta, squarepoint (not spike), stainless or carbon (no preference). But that's just me.

A custom would be a great way to start too. Many will hold their value fairly well.

The coolest ones I immediately think of were the vintage restores done by Traveller or Philadelph (I like vintage razors). With so many other fine makers and restorers, I don't envy making the hard decision you have ahead of you...

Originally Posted by JGUNS

I have even thought it woud be fun to do a contest where I sent my Feather artist around and saw if anyone could shave themselves with at least two passes without nicking themselves on a new blade (I have it all worked out if there is any interest, haha)

hmmm, what would the terms of the contest be... I might be willing to take a crack at it.

Well, if you're going to go all out, look around and see what you like in various razors and then ask some of the custom guys what they think they can do for you. I have a Robert Williams custom and love it (the only custom I have - so far ). He made me what I asked for. I generally tend to prefer "elegant" razors with clean lines as opposed to say, "rustic" designs, but that's just me. I think all the custom makers you see talked about here all do great work and it would be hard to recommend one over the other.

Jordan

If you go to 'show & tell' forum here you will see various razors, many of them custom, that members have posted. You might see one that catches your eye. The 'razor clubs' here is also a place where you can see what members tend to go for in blades. Not necessarily customs but it may give you a design idea for your custom. I would venture to say from personal experience with all but a Frank Warner and LR Harner that any of the custom makers you will find mentioned on the forum make a razor you will be proud to own.

Edit; Not saying that Frank Warner and LR Harner aren't right up there but I have no first hand experience with their razors. I do with the other makers.

I could be completely wrong, and your plan probably fits your personality, but here's my $.02

Buying and trying "a bazillion" razors is half the fun! I can't imagine going from my first disposable blade razor directly to a custom. I've been buying a bunch of razors up and trying different things on my face, and I gotta tell ya- there are as many razor personalities as there are razors. Learning to love it seems to be a backwards way of going at it and a complete waste of having someone make your dream razor. It's like dreaming up your perfect woman if you've spent your entire life chained up in a basement.

At the moment my favorite is my WB 6/8 half hollow square point, but I bet that'll change before the month is out. New day, new razor.

Good luck with it, and if that's your plan, and it'll make you happy, don't let me tell you how to spend your money. Just seems like without experiencing first hand, you're handing someone a fat wad of cash and saying "I hope you'll give me something cool".

first understand that with nearly every custom maker there is a waiting list. nearly all of them make razors part time. the full time blade-smiths are tim zowada, butch harner, mastro livi, bill ellis (sorry if i missed anyone). robert williams, joe chandler, josh earl are the part-time but by no means "inferior " makers most of us are familiar with.


of all the listed the makers i have at least one razor from all but Butch Harner... mainly because i have not bought a new blade in quite a while... but soon ...