What is your favorite blade size.
Barber notch or no notch?
Also the blade material you prefer Carbon or Stainless.
What is your favorite blade size.
Barber notch or no notch?
Also the blade material you prefer Carbon or Stainless.
Size should be 6/8 or above for me to truly enjoy a razor... 13/16 might be optimal. I have had great results with 8/8 but it is a bit more involved in tight spaces
Barber's notch - never used it the notch itself, but love the look
Cheers
Ivo
I like a 6/8+ round or oblique point with a semi wedge grind, heavier blade than a typical hollow ground. It's a nice balance of size for maneuvering and stiffness for the tougher whiskers, and an easy size to work on the hones. The hollow grounds that I use the most are 6/8+ or 7/8.
Barbers notches on the oblique point razors can add some style and visual interest but don't serve any real practical purpose for me. I'd say it would be something I'd like to have if it didn't add significantly to the cost of the razor.
Most of my blades are 5/8, but universally 6/8 seems to be the best. As for the notches, they're a matter of preference. I had one in my collection (got lost in the mail). If you made one, I'd recommend a smiler and a classical scale design.
I'd agree with pretty much everything stated. 6/8 to ~8/8 is my experience, and I like those sizes. I've already made my case for the notch & smile. :tu
8/8 or larger for me...I like your designs, but those scales look awful big, especially if they were beefed up to accomidate a larger blade.
I forgot to ask..... What blade material Carbon or Stainless.
I think the majority would prefer carbon.
-Tye
Quote:
Originally Posted by Darrel Ralph
Thats a mixed bag, everyone seems to have different ideas about that, but Im sure you will get LOTS of answers as to why either one better ;)
I personally prefer carbon, which is not to say that I didn't have nice inox shavers, but my top 3 are all C-steel.
I have razors in the 4/8 to 6-7/8 range, none with barber's notch, and all carbon steel. Never felt the lack of a barber's notch - asthetic only? - but never had one, so...
I use different sizes for different jobs, so they're all good to me - I'm a pragmatic shaver. However, I've just ordered an 8/8 Friodur - in a few days I may have changed my tune!:)
James.
I'd say no notch. I just don't like the looks of them.
Size wise I's say a 5/8 or 6/8 would fit. I'd love to try a 1/2 hollow ground, just a bit heavier and should hone pretty easily.
For steel, I'd love to have a razor made out of one of the newer steels. (I believe they are called crucible steel) They would be murder to hone, but would stay sharp longer.
Ray
I prefer the 6/8 and 7/8 razors. The notch doesn't matter to me. I've got to start using my straights more often. Been testing DE blades for a while...got to quit that!
RT
I like my 7/8 spike tip carbon steel blades, but a 6/8 or a notch would be okay.
X
WELL, since you asked...............
SIZE: I prefer 6/8, but veture to 7/8 and 5/8 from time to time. 8/8" a few times, but find them a bit bulky in the long run. Smaller than 5/8 I find to be too light, and tricky to hone.
STEEL: Carbon steel over stainless steel.
DESIGN: I prefer the classic look of the notch tip and spike point over a round point, for looks but also for getting into those 'tight' areas (i.e. under the nostril or lip). However some people are a bit hesitant on the spike point, or often catch an earlobe....
That's my $0.02!
C utz
This is true and a very good point. I like the semi-semi round of the designs you've got showing, Adding a notch may be all you would want to do to add flair for some razors. Depends on how you want it to look. I don't think anybody's doing notches these days so that might be a retro look.Quote:
Originally Posted by C utz
X
Carbon steel. Only because I like a finer grain.
6/8 or 7/8 size
square , oblique or notched point.
Single concave grind or heavy 1/2 hollow
RC of approx 60 ( can be honed in 1.5 hours)
Scale material, not important. Can be replaced.
Just my two cents,:)
I prefer 6/8 or larger and a spike point. I'm indifferent to barber notches. I love worked backs and fine wood scales. I enjoy an unusual hape to the body. See for example the Bergischer Lowe.
I like carbon steel and stainless steel equally well.
Its early and I'm kinda in a fiesty mood so I will apologize up front. I prefer 5/8 Carbon blades without barbers notches (only because of the reduced weight) but if your making fine custom razors I wouldn't make anything less than 6/8 because they simply won't sell.
The razors you have on your website don't appeal to my sense of design for a razor very well. They are very beautiful though, truely works of art, yet I would never buy one because the scales have way too much pair shape to them and the blades are too "boxy" to me. They also come across a little industrial looking, which in my humble opinion isn't the right direction for a "theme". I'm looking more for an "ultimate shaving pamper" theme. I want a razor that looks like I stole it from the Louve, not bought it at Home Depot.
I prefer the style of the Dovo Renaissance personally, but I think I'm in the minority.
The things I look for in a custom razor are important shaving differences, like a slightly longer tail, good jimps, maybe a little workback for fun, etc. A shape that resembles an old razor, yet looks like it has a touch of modern flavor would appeal to me greatly.
Sorry, I probably went off topic too much. Again, 5/8 and carbon, no notches (though I could live with one).
I guess it's a matter of personal taste, but I see nothing special about that razor. The Bergischer Lowe, on the other hand, really looks like a work of art. The light colored horn razor isn't bad either.Quote:
Originally Posted by AFDavis11
Your right on both counts, its subjective and the BG does look like a work of art! :o
6/8 - 7/8 spike in carbon for me. Love your workmanship but I like the older look in a razor
My 2c
I love my 7/8, my 6/8 my 5/8 and my 4/8's. It all depends on the mood I'm in really. 8/8 is too big for me however. Barbers Notches are nice as are spike points and spanish points. I'm not a big fan of round points however exceptions establish the rule.
Unfortunately I'll probably never have the money for a handmade razor by anyone.
Keep um coming .
This really helps.
D,
If you could only make one size blade, 6/8 would be the wise choice in this neighborhood. Guys, DR has a typo on his website, the razors you have seen in the pics are 7/8, not 5/8. That should give a little better perspective to the shots. I'm in the majority when I prefer the slightly larger/heavier blade. 6/8 or 7/8 for me, all day long. Barber's notches are a plus in my book, for a couple of reasons. One, they look cool to me, old-school atrisan type touches. Two, they are functional on a couple of levels: One, although very slight, they take a little weight from the toe and shift the CG away from the toe toward the middle of the blade. And two, they facilitate, at least for me, close trimming around the nose and moustache. It's tougher to do for me with a round point. As mentioned countless times, spikes can grab an earlobe. A soft spike, on the other hand, is perfect. The type point one finds on a barber's notch.
Jeff
The new design I just started is a 6/8.
It will be carbon steel also.
There will be some very interesting features .
I will make stainless for those who what them.