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How do custom straight razors compare with reputable names like Puma?
Are they better? Worse? Equal, and identical? Equal, but different?
What are some reputable names in such an area? I've heard of Robert Williams, who else can you provide?
Offer your experiences.
Here's a pretty good list of Custom Makers. As far as performance goes, it's like any other...depends on the grind, size, etc. It'll boil down to your preferance in a razor...but any on that list make a fine razor :)
They shave no better,customs are for people that want and can afford a one of a kind pce.
It's hard to improve on a well made razor concerning durability and general wear and tear because what else do you have that will last three hundred years and still do the job it's supposed to if properly maintained or restored.
On the other hand,the steels that are used today and the tempering processess may make them better to some degree.Quote:
Originally Posted by gunsandbibles
I have some customs that shave very well,as good or better than some high end vintage blades,maybe a mental thing,hard to say.
I have several vintage blades, 1 Robert Williams and another custom that a SRP member is finishing up right now. All of my shave-ready blades will give a great shave... but my favorite by far is the RW. But its not just because his quality and fit and finish are outstanding (because they are), but also because its custom, and its mine. Nobody else has the same one, and never will. That just adds to the fun of it for me...
In addition to the above remarks, all of which I agree with, there is an added bonus as far as I am concerned. Worldwide and perhaps a shade newer here in the U.S. are men who have staked their existence as well as their families in venturing
back in time and establishing themselves as expert craftsmen who take the risk to succeed in the world of straight razor shaving. Thanks to all of them. And then world wide we have a resurrgence of retail establishments who ventured their capital and hard work to find a place in the wetshavers market place. I appreciate them all for their foresight and daring and
blood, sweat and tears. : )
IMO, the difference is in the grinds, I can see some fine, multi-diameter grinds in vintage pieces, some, but less in contemporary customs. The oldies were made as it mattered to the general population and were mass-produced by makers with generations of experience as well as cross-complements from maker-to maker in order to make a living. In this regard, several custom razors these days are made to order by individual unit from guys making a living at it. Specially made to the order of the customer with modern equipment, materials, and skills, for the most part. The end result is in the shave, for certain! Many fine makers out here these days! :D
What a great question. My best answer is buy and shave with both. My custom favorites are Robert Williams and Tim Zowada with Harner, Jacques, etc. not far behind. I have samples of many and they shave close and smooth. In fact, Zowada just delivered a new one to me this week. Perfect balance in the hand and beautiful to look at in the case. No better than Vintage, just different to use and appreciate.
Then again, Puma, Dubl Duck, Fontana, Globusmen, etc. are fabulous singing wonders to shave with. I keep my cases of favorite Custom and Vintage razors in the Shave Cave with cases of newer and lesser favorites in the dressing area. Just asking this question makes me think that you soon will be joining us on the path to poverty and lots, and lots, of razors. Ohhhh, don't forget to get a few Kamisori. Really another world in shaving. Sometimes I use these to shave my head just for the fun of it. Good luck and hope that you have a realllllly understanding wife.