Thread: Curves

I really like the vastness of information and views on this forum, and I respect an individuals right to like any razor for any reason he (or she I guess), has. Because I am new to this, when I like a razor I try to figure out why. And likewise when I don't particularly like a razor, the same, why? For me this is part of the fun. I've never understood the devotion to the Hart razor. No, I haven't shaved with one. (This shallow post is about aesthetics, not steel, I'm sure the Hart razors are awesome shavers). I did finally get a one word answer to this question of why they don't do it for me: CURVES. I realized I like curves in razors....in the scales, lots of them, maybe I even like hyperbolic paraboloids, not sure if I do as I'm not sure what it is. A Hart razor looks to me like a razor that you would find in a Zen Monastery. I think my tendencies are more toward razors that you might find in a 20th century whorehouse.

I think there's just no getting around the fact that for many of us, aesthetics plays a massive part in the enjoyment we get out of all this. I have a few blades that are *excellent* shavers ( a Dubl Duck, a couple of Boker King Cutters for example) that just don't get used much. They are awesome razors that give consistently great shaves, but when I pick them up I don't get the same feeling as I do when I grab one of my main rotation (W&B Barber's Use, and old Irish point Wheatley bros wedge, and a J. Wostenholme EBRO). They will all get me to the same destination of a great shave, but I just have more fun with the latter.

Congrats on figuring out your preference - that can save a lot of $$ on razors that might not grab you when they arrive.

BTW, there's a vendor in Russia (I think) who sells these insanely curvy, smiley blades. I'll see if I can remember who that is and post a link. You might enjoy them.

Funny you say that, cause for certain things I like them gawdy. I too am drawn to something with say cracked ice, gold/brass embellishments, etc. Seems to go with the vintage feel of straight razor shaving in general. Same with motorcycles. When I built mine I put gold striping, brass parts, etc and a heavy silver flake helmet.

Originally Posted by Cangooner

I think there's just no getting around the fact that for many of us, aesthetics plays a massive part in the enjoyment we get out of all this. I have a few blades that are *excellent* shavers ( a Dubl Duck, a couple of Boker King Cutters for example) that just don't get used much. They are awesome razors that give consistently great shaves, but when I pick them up I don't get the same feeling as I do when I grab one of my main rotation (W&B Barber's Use, and old Irish point Wheatley bros wedge, and a J. Wostenholme EBRO). They will all get me to the same destination of a great shave, but I just have more fun with the latter.

Congrats on figuring out your preference - that can save a lot of $$ on razors that might not grab you when they arrive.

BTW, there's a vendor in Russia (I think) who sells these insanely curvy, smiley blades. I'll see if I can remember who that is and post a link. You might enjoy them.

Lezcha is his name if I'm not mistaken.

And I'm totally with you WW243, I like curves too. The scales on Hart razors are too blocky for me.

Originally Posted by robellison01

Lezcha is his name if I'm not mistaken.

Yup - that's exactly the one I was thinking of - thanks!

There's curvy and then there's CURVY! Personally I'm a fan of more subtle designs, but for anyone who likes a more radical design, it's worth taking a look: Бритвы lezcha

I think I have a problem, I like all different styles.

I don't know, the Lezcha stuff looks to me like well made Grim Reapers from the Bay. They are off the map out where the Sea Dragons are....

Originally Posted by Cangooner

Yup - that's exactly the one I was thinking of - thanks!

There's curvy and then there's CURVY! Personally I'm a fan of more subtle designs, but for anyone who likes a more radical design, it's worth taking a look: Бритвы lezcha

I like razors with curves, I like them without curves.

What I can't stand are razors that have features just for the sake of ornamentation, mismatched curves, and in general features that don't compliment each other visually. Not just mismatched curves on the blade, also between the scales and blade.

Take a look at a Charlie Lewis and a Max Sprecher... Two totally different styles, but both masters at making a razor where the features all work together to complete a piece of artwork; unlike some custom makers who must simply think "wouldn't it be cool if I grind out a spot here?" and never give any thought to how that feature will work aesthetically with the rest of the razor.

/rant

Razors were (are) very personal items so they were (are) made in all shapes and variations with all types of ornamentation including the scales.

There's something for everyone.

Originally Posted by WW243

A Hart razor looks to me like a razor that you would find in a Zen Monastery. I think my tendencies are more toward razors that you might find in a 20th century whorehouse.

Hey, at least you're honest...