Thread: A lady's straight razor...lets design it!

[in raspy, high-pitched voice]

Something in pink scales, please.

How did it all turn out? I note that the Classic Shaving has a ladies razor for sale. Gift Sets & Gift Ideas

Between them and Dovo, they seem to think a 4/8 with a 2" long blade is the way to go. I know I have a razor that fits that dimension made specifically for "mustache trimming," but love using it myself for the whole face. I know TI made a 3/8 with a short blade as well (still being sold at The Knife Center) but isn't labeled as anything other than a razor.

Most guys like thier blades large and that's cool but I really got sold on the smaller blades when I tried a Kami. That thing just gets into places like no ones business. To be quite honest I don't know why blades are typically 3" long to start with. I mean guys use DE's just fine. Moreover, why a woman would need a shorter blade over a guy kind of is hard for me to understand as well.

Anyway, that's all to say that perhaps though ladies might need a shorter blade, I am not sure why when the angles are "softer" compared to say a chiseled chin or a jaw line. If one were to make a "woman's" blade with a quazi unisex set of scales - I would be in! I like my blades small.

To late Feather as already beat you to it, they make a Feather Artist club SS with lovely pink handle, and being so small and light it would seem to be the perfect choice.

Jamie.

To be honest, I have not gotten to actually grinding the steel. As soon as I get back to making some razors, this will be my first project. Carrie has volunteered to put the razor thru it's paces. I really, really want to get back into the shop to do some grinding...just haven't been able to since the Christmas knife rush. Still trying to get my 2x72 working right anyways...

I'm not a lady, but I can imagine a shorter (2 inch or less) round point blade. Nothing too big in width too, 4/8'' would be ideal, IMHO.

This was discussed years ago in the famous "coochie razor" thread, but apart from having some good laughs, it go nowhere.

I personally would like a bit of a bigger blade, the little blades (5/8 and smaller is what I consider little) feel like I have to push them to work, like a really crappy chefs knife. I tried a Dovo 5/8 that we purchased, nice blade, but I didn't like it as well as the 6/8 Dovo we have.

I absolutely agree about the rounded point, that is a must!

I dreaming of a fixed blade (I think) sometimes the scales get in the way, especially in the tub. Yesterday I had my leg up on the side of the tub just getting ready to set down the blade on the scary lower leg/ankle area when the scales hit the shower curtain. That was a close one. Would a fixed blade with some sort of texture on the handle work better? I wouldn't want something wrapped, I don't think that would last long in the tub. Maybe something with super jimping (maybe like a diamond cut) on the handle, very easy to hold in the water and keep clean.

I shall try a Dobson tomorrow and report back. Stay tuned... same Bat time, same Bat channel

The thought of a fixed blade has crossed my mind as I can see and understand that a set of scales could get into the way. I also understand that a light weight blade with a lot of flex would be of hindrance, so a quarter to half hollow would more than likely be the right choice for heft and no flex.

Sarah, look at this thread and see if it would help you to form an idea: http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge/55259-purist-then-plagiarist-now-plagiarist-part-deux.html

The razor that I designed had all kind of issues with the handle, I tried to make it ergonomic and I missed as it was only good for one hold, so lesson learned. I gave it to a leather-working friend for detail work when he's cutting leather. The wood handled East/West razor would have similar issues as different holds aren't so good, so a handle more simply designed with texture would most definitely be a good idea. I've got to get back on this project as it could be really fun & you never know...I could possibly get my wife to using one.

Originally Posted by sarahbella

I personally would like a bit of a bigger blade, the little blades (5/8 and smaller is what I consider little) feel like I have to push them to work, like a really crappy chefs knife. I tried a Dovo 5/8 that we purchased, nice blade, but I didn't like it as well as the 6/8 Dovo we have.

I absolutely agree about the rounded point, that is a must!

And in terms of length, don't you think that a full 2 1/2 inch edge is too much? I mean, you won't have the entire edge removing hair all the time, right? It won't "sit" entirely on the leg, it will have some part of the blade without any contact, I suppose, right? Because unlike our face that has some "plain" areas, the legs are kind of cylindrical.

I will strongly recommend a smiling blade for those tight corners ... as usual.

I had to measure some of the blades I've been using recently... seems they are all around 3 inches long and I don't think I would want one any shorter, educated guess I wouldn't want it longer than 3 1/2 inches. Reasoning: there is a lot of lather goin on when you are trying to shave your entire leg, the 3+inch blade allows for more or longer passes before you have to clean the blade. I never seem to use the entire edge on a single pass, more so sections of the blades allow for a couple passes before cleaning. You are right, the legs are curvy compared to a man's face, however I manage to move my leg position to create various plains, which is helpful.

Originally Posted by Leon

And in terms of length, don't you think that a full 2 1/2 inch edge is too much? I mean, you won't have the entire edge removing hair all the time, right? It won't "sit" entirely on the leg, it will have some part of the blade without any contact, I suppose, right? Because unlike our face that has some "plain" areas, the legs are kind of cylindrical.