Thread: My Mastro Livi razor, at last: a wonderful life experience!

Sunday 5 June 2016



Traveling with a Snake

In my usual monthly business trip, I decided to take with me a snake. A particular snake. Well, I should better say "the snake". A rare and unique masterpiece by Mastro Livi having the blade made from his well known CarboInox consisting of a stainless steel cutting layer and the outer layers made from Mastro Livi twisted carbon damascus steel. He also inserted in the stainless steel layer some awesome and breathtaking carbon damascus dots, giving the blade an incredible and beautiful "dripping paint" effect. As for the shave, this beautiful straight razor is keen like a snake giving a very close and super smooth shave. The incomparable refreshing and finishing touch of Floïd Blue gave me the most luxurious shave.

• Pre-Shave: RazorGuy Pre-Shave Oil
• Soap: Negozio Leggero Hazelnut and Lavender Shave Cream
• Brush: Omega Brush #10275
• Strop: Mastro Livi Travel Loom Strop and Hand Palm
• Razor: Mastro Livi CarboInox Snake Razor, 8/8 Full Hollow, Snake Point
• Post-Shave: Alum Block
• Post-Shave: Argan Oil
• After Shave: Floïd Blue

Just got my new Mastro Livi 6/8 barbers notch point damascus razor with buffalo horn scales and all I can say is WOW! A work of Art I may just put in a frame. A shame to shave with it. I thought Mastro Livi could not surpass my other razor with the Antler scales but this one is magnificent. I attached a picture of both.

Razorguy: Just finished reading your narrative.
A thing I have not mentioned about myself is that I play classical guitar. I also play the mandolin, violin and banjo, so I understand exactly what you are saying. In the luthier world there are so many craftsmen in making the guitar, all, more or less, exclusively dedicated to the classical instrument. When I see these instruments I weep because I know I will never own one; they are made for professional performers, not teachers, or mechanics, or carpenters. They strive for excellence that will meet the performers desire and the audience's ear. Some of these instruments command prices as high as $25,000, the vintage instruments go into the millions (I am speaking generally here now).
You have brought to my attention that sometimes it is merely respect and appreciation for what a craftsman does. It reminds me that I am nothing, but brought into the presence of beauty you become something for a moment in that instance of your sincerity. I buy old, beat up, used up straight razors from antique shops, but they must show me that there is some beauty there, because these are the only ones I can afford. Every one shaves differently on the limited acreage of my face. I may be wrong, but it appears that you have been working on this narrative for awhile because you wanted as perfect a presentation as you could get. Right now this old , tired man, eyes filled with tears understanding exactly what you are feeling. You sir have been blessed and I too for the opportunity to have read such a well crafted narrative.

Originally Posted by Glock27

Razorguy: Just finished reading your narrative....

Dear Sir,
I have just finished reading your comment which I somehow missed noticing and I do apologize for this.
I too understand what you mean as I too play some musical instruments and I can understand how you feel when you see a rare or artisan made instrument and realize you cannot afford it. I do feel that in many regards of my hobbies and interests, not just straight razors or music.
I am grateful to you for the kind words of appreciation you expressed about my humble write up and I am glad you could get the very essence of my feelings because, first of all, I wanted to share my experience which started the day I entered Mastro Livi shop and this changed everything in how I see and feel razors, shaving and maintenance. It is not a matter of how many and which razors you own or can afford, it rather is to feel what's behind all that and, as for Mastro Livi, a lifetime committed to straight razors, a tool he is very passionate about. I know I am lucky for living just few miles away from his workshop and, not to mention, the fact Mastro Livi and I became good friends during these three years. A time in which I could appreciate both the artist and the man, his honesty and loyalty, generosity and good heart.
I also thank you for appreciating my narrative and this flatters me quite a lot because, I am sure you guess it, I am Italian and English is not my native language and secondly for some reasons associated to my job - which is not about straight razor or shaving - and I am very flattered by your appreciation. As a matter of fact, I did not worked on this narrative for awhile, but simply wrote it by following what my mind and feelings were telling me at that particular moment.

Thank you very much indeed.

With my most respectful and kindest regards.

RazorGuy: You humble me.
I cannot imagine meeting, discussing a topic and developing a friendship with a master of arts. I met Marcos Diaz, Classical guitarist and have listened to his performances live. He lives in South America and teaches at a University. Classical performers do not have the luxury of the un-nameable music cranked out today. These people study their entire lives and never reach the financial stability of the "rock star", ergo many have to supplement their income in some manner other than performing, there is just not the audience for it.
Your written English is magnificent and I believe you achieved your expression rather perfectly. I merely assumed that you made a draft and refined it, rather than to let it fly off the top of your head. I have attempted to learn another language, but never had the stick to it strength. I wish you all the fortune and the greatest pleasure and satisfaction with your new razor.
With all due respect
Glock 27

Sunday 29 May 2016



Mastro Livi Damasteel Ladder, 6/8 Full Hollow, French Point

I admit I like Damasteel. Not only for its mesmerizing patterns but also for its keenness ability to shave. Although it is true it is somewhat aggressive on your skin, this steel is however impeccable in giving a close and smooth shave. This Mastro Livi Damasteel straight razor is enchanting for the ladder pattern used for the blade, not to mention the charm of amaranth buckeye burl used for the scales. Simply beautiful. Today's shave has also been the chance to try this Omega S-Brush, a super cheap synthetic brush however delivering a very good performance. If we consider the very cheap price, you can't be wrong in getting one of these Italian synthetic brushes.

• Pre-Shave: RazorGuy Pre-Shave Oil
• Soap: Weleda Shaving Cream
• Brush: Omega S-Brush S10108 Blue, 27mm knot
• Bowl: Gerby Bowl
• Strop: Mastro Livi Medium Loom Strop "Coramella Italiana" and Hand Palm
• Razor: Mastro Livi Damasteel Ladder, 6/8 Full Hollow, French Point
• Post-Shave: Alum Block
• Post-Shave: Argan Oil
• After Shave: Geo F. Trumper West Indian Cologne

Thursday 2 June 2016



Mastro Livi CarboInox Snake Razor, 8/8 Full Hollow, Snake Point

Today in Italy it is national day and we are celebrating the republic day, so today's shave consisted in Italian shaving items only. Every item has been made in Italy, a tribute to all those Italians who gave their life and ideals, who fought in the hope to give us a better Country and a better place to live in. Italy certainly is not the best country in the world - as I believe there is no best country in the world as each one has its wonderful things to share and to give, after all we are living in a wonderful world if we only could respect it and everyone better - however Italy is an amazing country rich in astonishing beauty, unsurpassed art and history, breathtaking views, luscious food and wonderful wines, elegant lifestyle marked by our "worldwide well known and appreciated" Italian style and fashion, traditions and culture, this country gave birth to marvelous geniuses, craftsmen and artists. Viva l'Italia! (Long live Italy!)

• Pre-Shave: RazorGuy Pre-Shave Oil
• Soap: Cella
• Brush: Omega Brush #89
• Strop: Mastro Livi Travel Loom Strop and Hand Palm
• Razor: Mastro Livi CarboInox Snake Razor, 8/8 Full Hollow, Snake Point
• Post-Shave: Alum Block
• Post-Shave: Umbrian Extravirgin Olive Oil
• After Shave: RazorGuy Bay Rum

Well said Glock; I feel like you.

I also believe that part of the attraction of shaving with straight razors is that we have learned to work with a tool where one has to make a conscious effort to master the skill, that can give a shave that is surpassed by no other shaving instrument, and where the end results depend on the skilled craftsman who made the razor, the craftsman who maintains the razor, and yes also on the craftsman who has mastered the skill to use the razor.

I don't believe in the "art of shaving"; what I practice is not an art but a skill or craft that can be mastered by most who are willing to invest the necessary patience, effort and resilience.
In that way we are indeed not far from those learning to play a musical instrument.
And similar to musical instruments, some straight razors perform better than others and I always find a deep pleasure and satisfaction when shaving with a Mastro Livi razor.

I also admit that in a way I envy Mastro Livi himself, who finds obvious pleasure in creating something with his hands that stands out above the rank and file, who can set his own timetable while doing so, and who obviously enjoys passing the sum of his insights and experience on to us.
I always felt that this is one of the keys to a lifestyle that can make a man happy.


K.


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Beluga: Actually I don't know what to say. I always wished I had the money to get what I would like and I am not talking about gold plated faucets. As I mentioned, I play classical guitar. Some of my first instruments were beasts, and at the time $300 to $400 instruments were daemons to play. Maybe 12 to 14 years ago I came into a windfall. My wife and I discussed it (she likes to spend money to buy things that make her feel good/as most of us do). She took 1/3rd and I took 1/3 and the other was invested. I wanted a decent guitar to play, not one I had to struggle and fight with. When the windfall hit my synapsis sparkled like the fourth of July. I knew exactly the first purchase would be. Yep. I went the distance a hand crafted classical guitar from a luthier. Thirteen years ago it was a $4000 instrument. It was a worthy investment, but now with my osteoarthritis I have come to an end. The ability to have flexibility in the hands and fingers is crucial to great performance. Using a straight razor requires a steady hand. On many occasions my hands shake like a leaf in the wind, so I have to use two hands to steady the razor, stretch the skin and cut. Fortunately I only get a few nicks here and there so its not too bad, but at times I just have to go to the crude safety razor.
I am not sure I have made any sense here except that I am or was willing to pay a price for a musical instrument but would not pay $300 and up for a straight razor. I just like them, over the reason I switched because I didn't like the price of refills for safety razors. I see where I am a replacement five pack is $30.
I'm gonna give up now. Note there is no obligation for you to reply, just talkin.
Glock27

Beautiful, both of them.
Last time in Italy I was tempted to order a Mastro Livi with antler scales, as razors like this are much harder to find than razors with horn scales.

In my childhood it was quite common for huntsmen in the Alps to have hunting knives with antler handles.
Seems to be a very good material for handles and scales that provides a secure grip.


B.



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