Thread: Would it be a step too far?

As was mentioned, you can probably shave with any properly sharpened tool. Would you want to is another thing. The pinky ring would be a real pain IMO. But I'm sure you can get used to it.

OK, I'll tell y'all what I'll be doing when I get the custom work done. Nearer the time I will make a specific post to ask for advice from you wonderful people (I genuinely mean this; you're all amazing) but for now I post this so you know why I make the choices I make. It's for specific reasons and not just because I'm a noob who thinks it'd be "fun" to do this.
A few of you will HATE my choices but I will explain them all;

1) Much to the dismay of a few of you, I'll be getting the pinky ring. It's not for looks, it's because I have early onset arthritis, involuntary muscle spasms and nerve damage in the right hand that gives me a loose grip. I had several car accidents as a boy and I ended up with scarred brain tissue. EEP! I think I'd really need a way to keep an EPIC grip on the handle and NOT to drop a razor sharp blade if it's at my throat.

2) I'd get a handle that's 60%-100% longer than a standard handle. I have built up quite a nice set of working muscles over the years and there are one or two angles that I'd not be able to reach without a longer handle. Irony huh? Weak grip but can lift a lot. (grip tape)

3) I would have a handle that is bulky. a) so I can grip it b) I and would like to say I put some work into it (other than designing it) so I'd do the handle me-self. I make primitive tools/weapons so I work in natural materials and it's hard to make something svelte out of bone, antler, stone or wood.

When I'm about ready to get this thing built I'll be posting blueprints and technical diagrams and asking for advice/suggestions.
If you have anything you'd like to say, feel free. I am always happy to receive suggestions and advice.

Originally Posted by bill3152

As was mentioned, you can probably shave with any properly sharpened tool. Would you want to is another thing. The pinky ring would be a real pain IMO. But I'm sure you can get used to it.

Pinky ring works fine!

http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ring-tail.html

That's a genius use for a pair of scissors!

Can just say that soon it will be a shave with a new Konosuke... A 300mm gyuto in White #2 steel

Originally Posted by freenarative

OK, I'll tell y'all what I'll be doing when I get the custom work done. Nearer the time I will make a specific post to ask for advice from you wonderful people (I genuinely mean this; you're all amazing) but for now I post this so you know why I make the choices I make. It's for specific reasons and not just because I'm a noob who thinks it'd be "fun" to do this.
A few of you will HATE my choices but I will explain them all;

1) Much to the dismay of a few of you, I'll be getting the pinky ring. It's not for looks, it's because I have early onset arthritis, involuntary muscle spasms and nerve damage in the right hand that gives me a loose grip. I had several car accidents as a boy and I ended up with scarred brain tissue. EEP! I think I'd really need a way to keep an EPIC grip on the handle and NOT to drop a razor sharp blade if it's at my throat.

2) I'd get a handle that's 60%-100% longer than a standard handle. I have built up quite a nice set of working muscles over the years and there are one or two angles that I'd not be able to reach without a longer handle. Irony huh? Weak grip but can lift a lot. (grip tape)

3) I would have a handle that is bulky. a) so I can grip it b) I and would like to say I put some work into it (other than designing it) so I'd do the handle me-self. I make primitive tools/weapons so I work in natural materials and it's hard to make something svelte out of bone, antler, stone or wood.

When I'm about ready to get this thing built I'll be posting blueprints and technical diagrams and asking for advice/suggestions.
If you have anything you'd like to say, feel free. I am always happy to receive suggestions and advice.

First of I'm really new to this too, but I did understand your first post about this being a purely academic rather than practical question. If you are going to use a custom razor maker then surely they would advise you on what will work, (fairly sure arnie shaved with a huge bowie knife in predator :-) ). And as long as whatever you make works for you then why not.
I am a touch worried about the involuntary muscle spasm thing though, that sounds like it could introduce some risk into the shaving process.
Have you thought about using a large bladed straight and making a fixed handle for it? At least to see what might work, it might be more cost effective to buy a couple different sizes, even if they will never shave and use that to help with the design.
Anyway best of luck.

Originally Posted by freenarative

I like to learn. Before I do anything a spend an age learning about what it is I want to know. In my study of the art of shaving (yes, I've concluded it IS an art) I have seen hundreds upon hundreds of photos of mods, refits, renovations and rebuilt razors. I have seen custom blades and mass produced ones too. I think that essence of things is, if it's about right in shape and sharp enough to plink hairs without touching skin then; it's a razor.

I think you need to do some more research. Your conclusion is akin to saying all red cars are Ferraris.

A razor shaped object may be about the right size & shape but the geometry can still be all wrong for both shaving & easy honing. You can plink hairs at 1000 grit or lower but you will not like the shave. You may need to modify a razor's shape to accommodate any dexterity problems but at least first try a razor to see what mods will be needed. There's always a chance it will work as it was intended.

I have seen people shave with knives, spoons, axes, and broken pieces of glass/obsidian. While they may have successfully removed facial hair, it remains to answer, "was it comfortable?"

Just because you can "shave" with something doesn't make it a razor (in my opinion)...

Could you grind that and shave with it? I have zero doubt that I could...but I won't

For me, it comes down to the right tool for the right job... I wouldn't take a straight razor into combat, so why would I want to shave with a Ka-Bar? besides, its not like you need to make shaving with a straight blade MORE manly, its already impressive enough in its own rite...

Hilarious! I have the smaller version of that very knife and was handling it just this evening! Every time I handle it, I wonder the same thing... "Should I hone this puppy?"

I haven't yet, and I probably never will... But it screams to be tried.