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  1. #1
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    Default Room for improvement

    Gentleman,

    I know straight razors belong to a classic way of life, as if everything on the field has been already done...

    The other day, I was thinking, what about new kind of razors?

    Why not using "new" materials as Titanium or ceramics?

    Somebody can tell me if russians did it already? What about Kyocera ceramic...you end up with a razor that never needs strop or honing,

    Isn't that something?

  2. #2
    Senior Member Frankenstein's Avatar
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    For me, stropping is half the fun.


    Edit: which reminds me; I'll be back after a few laps...
    I love the smell of shaving cream in the morning!

  3. #3
    They call me Mr Bear. Stubear's Avatar
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    I think part of the enjoyment of this sort of shaving is that the kit is all old school. For me, if I got a ceramic razor that never rusted and never went dull it would remove the some of the enjoyment of straight shaving.

    As Frankenstein says, I like stropping and honing...!

    I'm sure that Gillette could come up with such a contraption, but would I buy one? Nope!

  4. #4
    < Banned User > John Crowley's Avatar
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    Here is a real good article about titanium and its suitability as a knife or razor:

    SWORD FORUM Magazine Online - Metallurgy - Titanium as Swords

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    TexasBob (11-27-2009)

  6. #5
    The only straight man in Thailand ndw76's Avatar
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    Even ceramic would eventually dull and when it did how would you hone it? I'm quite happy to stick with old fashioned razors.

  7. #6
    . Bill S's Avatar
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    One of the guys may jump in here with observations about making a ceramic razor. He spent quite a bit of time on the project. As I recall, final honing was the problem that did the whole thing in.

  8. #7
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bill S View Post
    One of the guys may jump in here with observations about making a ceramic razor. He spent quite a bit of time on the project. As I recall, final honing was the problem that did the whole thing in.
    Like Bill said, I have a vague recollection of that ceramic topic being brought up and IIRC getting it to shave ready wasn't possible let alone keeping it there.
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

  9. #8
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    Ceramic dulls at some point and this is were the problem comes in. There are two ways to sharpen a ceramic blade:
    1. Silicon Carbide wheels - industrial applications, so in this case you would either need to spend thousands on machinery, send it to the manufacturer, or find someone who has the equipment.
    2. Diamond plates - have you priced diamond plates? And as well you must remove ALL scratches created from the diamond plates left on the blade afterwards or the scratches will create micro stress points and cause the blade to fracture.
    It may hold its edge for months or even years but at some point it's going to be a hassle. Ask anyone who has owned ceramic knives for a few years.
    Last edited by DistortedPenguin; 11-27-2009 at 04:34 AM.

  10. #9
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    Also if anyone finds the archive that contains the thread pertaining to the individual who made a go of a ceramic razor please post it here as I couldn't find it. Just sounds interresting.

  11. #10
    Hibernator ursus's Avatar
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