I always admire the wild Custom work done by some of our members. While not always my cup of tea, the grinding and even, slightly smiling blades from Charlie Lewis have always suggested a good shaver, even as the razor it'self sometimes suggests a live animal! :D This particular one fills my bill. Simple, smooth lines, yet rough and rustic around the edges with a sweet Hamon. As I had the opportunity to aquire it (long story), I contacted Charlie (nice guy!) and asked about heating and bending the tang in a circle so I could hang it up to avoid damage, similar to another of his razors I had seen. He did not want to chance it and offered to make me a box. So, I sent him the razor and stuck my neck out even further, asking him to tune it up for me. He DOES have a sweet Japanese finisher!
The resulting work is fantastic! The box is perfectly rustic and features a felt circle to suspend the blade and is routed out so precisely, the edge cannot possibly touch the wood. Excellent workmanship!
It shaves smoothly and effectively and only took a half-pass to adjust to the tail and actually use it against my palm to steady the blade for accurate and concise control. The steel in it is remeniscent of my favorite old Sheffields as it has that alto voice of good, crucible steel!:y
Shaving off another's edge has not happened for me much, but I will tell ya...Charlie can surely hone! Not to mention he is a really nice guy. Did I say that before?
Thanks, Charlie! I shall really enjoy this in the old rotation.
Tom
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