Finally I get myself a NEW razor....

Well, it's a done deal, Joe Chandler just finished up a new razor for me. This razor really captures my feelings about what a straight razor should look like. This was meant to be a function first, looks second but it had to look good. While I don't yet have it in my possession I know it'll fit me to a tee. I wanted minimal, no frills, durable, blade shaped for my shaving style, sleek and well....ummm... sexy looking. I think Joe did an outstanding job capturing my wants and vision. The scales became a bit of a surprise to me.... I'd insisted (4 different times no less) that I wanted African Blackwood scales.... at the last minute, after a quick flurry of emails based mostly on the fact that I'm a messy shaver and my razors get WET, Joe humbly suggested that perhaps Black Linen Micarta should deliver the looks and yet be just about bullet proof to my tardy nature in the bathroom. He hit the nail on the head... I just love the looks even though I know the photos don't quite show the full effect of the linen in the scales......

Enough babbling... here's the photos Joe sent me for final approval.

Wow, that is just beautiful. Congrats, and please report back after the 1st shave!

If I ever manage to figure out what kind of razor I like best, Joe tops my list for making that one custom razor I'll grant myself.

Every time I see his work, I know exactly why he tops that list.
In some way all his razors radiate a zen-like tranquility, even his more ornamented ones than this one.

Congratulations,
to both of you gentlemen: the artist and his maecenas

Bart.

So give us some specs on this razor (assuming you have them). What size is it? Is it a wedge?

I really like the scales. I don't know who first came up with the samurai sword-like end on razor scales, but I've seen it quite a bit on DIY work that pops up around here. I've always admired that feature. Much more stylish than the standard ovaled ends you see on most razor scales.

So we know that you wanted a razor that was functional and durable - can you provide any specific insights into this one's design and tell us why it was made the way it was? I like the thumb hold in the shank too. If that were my razor, I'd request that the spine at the toe end of the razor be rounded off, though.

WOW!

It's contemporary, yet traditional.
Simple, yet stunning!

Very, very nice purchase and superb work Joe. :tu

Beautiful and functional = perfect:)

Yes, that IS a good looking razor!