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

Thanks... Can you feel much of a difference between the different steels?

I only have experience with a few different makes of razors ,they all shave well but the heavier ones tend to work best for me. I only have one custom razor at the moment but it is a single steel, not layered multi-steel, and the other razors I have are old vintage, mainly wade & butcher.

What are your thoughts on grinds? I seem to like more wedge-like razors, or near wedge. Does Mastro do good razors like this or are they mostly more hollow grinds?

My tastes may change as I get better, but so far I do get better shaves from near wedge, heavy razors compared to my more hollow grind razors.

Yes, sure: there are remarkable differences among steels and grinds. It is also a matter of personal taste, of course.
Mastro Livi can make any grind completely made by hands (and wheel grinds, of course): from wedge to extra full hollow grinding, he can make everything.
As far as I can tell, I think a wedge Mastro Livi does not do justice to his art - I believe his talent in making extra hollow ground razors is simply stellar and amazing - but I guess if you like a wedge you can have that.

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Thanks Stefanosup...

I decided a while ago that I will visit Mastro Livi next year to watch him work and commission a nice razor from him and perhaps a nice kitchen knife as well.

I love the damascus razors/steel but the price is noticeably higher, so dont yet know if I will pay the extra for damascus. I also want to get him to make a loom strop using the same steel for the handle, or perhaps have the handle of the loom strop made to match the razor scales.

Unfortunately flying over from Australia, plus accommodation makes it an expensive trip, so am trying to calculate a budget of how much I will need to do this. I will also want to see other things in Italy at the same time, I am not doing the trip only for the razor, but I think it would be a great memento of the trip to Italy to have a razor I can use to remind me of the holiday and experience.

As a local I would appreciate your thoughts on a good local hotel/motel to stay for a few nights, and any other things in the local area worth seeing/doing/exploring.

Now write 'with google translator, I hope you can understand me well and I apologize.
You have to know that the area where the lab Mastro Livi is one of the most 'beautiful in Italy, the city' of Perugia is a real gem, the sweet and romantic surroundings and the history here has left important marks from the Etruscans to the Romans from the Middle Ages to the Renaissance. Do not be enough 'time to enjoy the many beauties. Do not forget that Umbria is a land of wine and food, and then also here you can enjoy a lot !! The visit to the laboratory of Mastro Livi is also a really great time for those who like razors, I can tell what I experienced but your will 'certainly more' beautiful. You can see the razors born, you can try it directly on your skin and choose the one that will make you 'fall in love. It will not be 'easy to choose, remember !!! all his razors are works of art. All cut so deep and sweet. All leave a post shaving magnificent. Each steel but has' its features. Those carbon caress you and sing as they pass on the skin. Those inox steel are inexorable and silent. you just have to try it then will be 'the razor that will choose' you.
As for inns and restaurants in the area, Razorguy I think it can give you the right directions, then I will know if 'when you come in Italy we can make a good meal together, if you like !!

Yes, when I visit I would like to meet you and Razorguy for a nice meal and some nice local wine.

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Yes, when I visit I would like to meet you and Razorguy for a nice meal and some nice local wine.

Perugia and Umbria - my home city and region - are always glad to welcome everyone here. Not to mention, Mastro Livi too is always glad and happy to welcome in his workshop everyone passionate about razors and wet shaving.
I am looking forward in welcoming you in my city, then!

Andrew, I did this trip last year for my 40th and it was a fantastic experience. I can't thank Antonello enough for his help and friendship.

Umbria is also gorgeous, why not throw in a visit to Florence too.

Originally Posted by jodypress

Andrew, I did this trip last year for my 40th and it was a fantastic experience. I can't thank Antonello enough for his help and friendship.

Umbria is also gorgeous, why not throw in a visit to Florence too.

last month I had the pleasure of visiting your city 'and also all the stores like so much to us! Well, I have already 'a great "nostalgia or saudade", I miss London and its people, it truly is the city' more 'evolved that I've ever seen: beautiful and unforgettable !!

Todays shave was with my rams Horne 7/8 damasteel . This razor gets better with use delivering a very close smooth irritation free shave.. The pattern in the steel is beautiful and the balance is perfect when in use.

Gary

Originally Posted by gary haywood

Todays shave was with my rams Horne 7/8 damasteel . This razor gets better with use delivering a very close smooth irritation free shave.. The pattern in the steel is beautiful and the balance is perfect when in use.

Gary

I agree with you, I too have this razor. The steel damasteel is the most 'hard and effectively to those who've tried it, but it will eventually wear softens and becomes more and more' sweet. Beautiful your razor and also the nuances of the handle of horn!

Originally Posted by stefanosup

I agree with you, I too have this razor. The steel damasteel is the most 'hard and effectively to those who've tried it, but it will eventually wear softens and becomes more and more' sweet. Beautiful your razor and also the nuances of the handle of horn!

I,m on my 6th shave now and the razor has reached it's peak performance.

I can see this damasteel holding an edge for a very long time.

Gary