Thread: Razors you don't like?

This thread really got me thinking, and as it turns out there is actually quite a lot a don’t like with specific regard to custom razors. I really don’t mean to offend anyone who has a different taste in design, or who owns a custom that has one or more of these attributes… so for things I don’t like, here goes in no particular order:


• Random holes in blades
• Grooved/forked point, where the start of the spine is filed like a snake tongue.
• File-worked spines – unless it’s truly exceptional, otherwise it’s decoration for its own sake.
• Over-buffed blades; where grind marks are still present but have just been buffed over. This is just never acceptable.
• Softened edges from over-buffing. Edges should be crisp and clean – not rounded and softened by heavy-handed buffing.
• Wide and uneven/wavy bevels.
• Wild profiles that look like mock-weaponry.
• Elf-shoe curls at the end of the tang.
• Wrought-iron styled ‘medieval’ looking blades.
• Brightly coloured scales.
• Translucent scales. Just looks real gimmicky.
• Sparkly scales.
• Thick scales.
• Large ‘jimps’ that really aren’t jimps at all..
• Jewels set in the razor anywhere.
• Wedges that aren't tapered.
• Fluted wedges - decoration with no purpose.
• Wedges that are cut-out or don’t match the profile of the scales.
• Scales with no wedge, but instead just an ornate thick pin. This just doesn't look good.
• More than one pin at the wedge.
• Scales that look like they have bullet holes in them – what’s that about??
• Scales that have large serrated edges – just because you can create an effect doesn't mean you should.
• Large adjustable pins.
• Pins that are excessively ‘stacked’.
• Glossy scales – I much prefer satin or matte finished scales.
• HartSteel razors look a bit off to me. I think the scales are too bulky for the blades, and the shanks are to thick in proportion to the blade width. They just don’t look elegant. You can be utilitarian and still be elegant in my opinion.
• Poorly designed or unrefined makers marks – I’m sorry, but I’m just laying it all out here and this would actually be a deal breaker for me when considering buying a custom…
• Makers marks that have been electro-etched, and have ragged edges or a ‘burnt-halo’ in the steel around the mark, this is just not finished properly.
• Novelty designs like Steampunk razors etc.


What I DO like and what I think custom razors should look like:

• Classic, timeless profile designs that can be innovative if done well and with usability in mind. Honing and stropping action should be tested with a template first.
• Clean, crisp grinding with precise blade symmetry.
• Satin finished blades, or properly mirror finished blades with no grind marks visible.
• 6/8, 7/8, 8/8 are all desirable sizes to me.
• Satin or matte finished scales.
• Scales that are thin, proportionately to the size of the razor or course.
• Nicely designed barbers notch.
• Nicely designed and comfortable thumb notch.
• Fine, hairline bevel that is uniform.
• Finely cut jimping that’s nice and grippy.
• Scales with liners.
• Following the idea of ‘Truth to materials’
• Following the idea of ‘Form follows function’, 'less is more' etc.
• Muted, elegant scale colours.
• Natural or uncomplicated scale material.
• Love the combination of steel and wood(dark wood, properly stabilized, satin finished).
• Razor ‘sets’ either 7 day, or pairs.
• Custom razors should look and work like precision instruments, should live in the realm of classic sports cars, luxury timepieces etc.

Bit of a venting session there I know, so again really don’t mean to offend anyone who disagrees with my personal taste.

Cheers,
- Mike.

Originally Posted by MichaelC

• Jewels set in the razor anywhere.

I've never seen one of those. Got a pic?

Originally Posted by MichaelC

• Poorly designed or unrefined makers marks – I’m sorry, but I’m just laying it all out here and this would actually be a deal breaker for me when considering buying a custom…

Yeah, agree with that one; good point.

Thanks for the post. You pretty much listed everything!

Originally Posted by Frankenstein

I've never seen one of those. Got a pic?



Yeah, agree with that one; good point.

Thanks for the post. You pretty much listed everything!

I don't really want to point out any particular maker, that's not the point here as we're just discussing things in general about razors we don't like... Others will know what I'm talking about regarding the jewels, and so lets just leave it as: 'Some have and will set jewels in their razors, and I for one just don't think it looks very attractive.'

- Mike

I believe MichaelC needs to field a couple of his own designed razors to accompany his stones! I have admired his SOTD pics and believe he could introduce a modern classic or two.