Thread: Herrlac Custom 8/8 Sheffield Retro

My newest acquisition arrived in the mail today from Budapest, Hungary. It was made by a custom bladesmith named Herrlac ( K Herr Razors). Have not seen any of his products on SRP, so thought I'd share my experience with this European custom razor bladesmith. He sells primarily the larger blades on eBay. I have been watching his designs for a year or so and sent him a note asking if he would do a classic, old 8/8 Sheffield design. He asked (his English via translation tools is as good as my Hungarian) that I provide a drawning or picture for a design. He then came back to me with three different designs based on my concept drawing. He offered three different blade and spine options, and any hollow. All were quite nice. I decided on the round spine, quarter hollow, modified barbers notch (SP or FR?) with spine XX and jimps on the top and bottom. He finished the blade (HRC 61) with a nice, thin bevel and a shave ready edge. I opted for simple black wood scales with screws as I intend to replace these with my own honey horn. It came in a nice display box delivered within 9 days. The best part for both of us is that we agreed to a very reasonable price and I ended up trading him an equal value of bulk supply of my bullseye, dome, fancy rosette and cup washers in brass as payment. He took a week or so to make the razor and made another similar blade at the same time. He sent me photos every other day of the progress from start to finish. Unpacked it today and stropped it up a bit and gave it a go. It provided a great shave. Just thought I'd share. Appreciate input or feedback. Thanks, Austin

I think you did very well. That is a good looking all business straight all dressed up in a super presentation package. Enjoy.

Wow monster blade. The blade shape sure has a Sheffield feel to it. I'd love to see it dressed in old school honey horn scales. Thanks for sharing.

Wow I really like that blade.

Thanks for all the comments and feedback. I just finished up the honey horn scales with brown streaks cut to 2.6mm, somewhat thicker than I normally use but this big blade can handle it I think. I used a comelbone wedge and replica Dome brass collars with nickel silver pins. I may want to thin down the wedge a bit cause it still looks a bit thick to me. Getting there....

Much nicer, that!

That's more like it Austin.

You will never go wrong with horn and that style well done!

That's terrific, wow! Heck of a blade, looks great in the horn scales

It's nice too see an unknown maker making a razor that would appeal to many at SRP. More often than not we see some ostentatious RSO.