Thread: When a Custom Maker Calls You Answer

I was going to post about a productive weekend at the newest antique store in town.
That was before I got a call from Phillip Dobson. He tells me that he is 20 minutes from my house and wanted to meet up.
After playing a quick game of car tag I found him. He opens his truck door handing me a knife that I have been wanting for quite a while now. Those that have dealt with Phillip know that he is a bit of a perfectionist and is his own strongest critic. It shows in his work.


I bet you guys were wondering why this is in "Show and Tell" instead of "Finer Things". Well, only a couple of you know about this so here she is.


She kind of speaks for herself, but a full shave report will come soon after I stop drooling and realize that these are actually mine and I'm allowed to touch them.

On a side note the shave off the knife is a little rough, but I did shave dry.

Wow. Those are beautiful. I'm scared that if I held something that nice I'd be trying to figure out which kid to sell first...

Gerrit,
The razor looks great finished (it looked pretty dang good not finished..lol)
I'm sure the shave will go great as well.

The knife also looks outstanding!

Thanks guys. It is easier to decide which kid when you only have one left! It was just brought to my attention that I gave no information. The razor is a 9/8 stainless with carbon fiber and titanium scales, he had to go light to accommodate the balance of the grind.
Brian, I was planning on bragging up the shave in an email, but I might just place it here after I get to it.

Congratulations! The shape of both blades is fasinating.

Bob,
Looks like another maker on your list...if you don't already have one.

The craftsmanship is clearly evident in these two blades. Impeccable attention to detail.

I love both, how does the tail of the razor feel when held in the hand I woul think it would take some getting use to before I felt comfortable without the upturned "monkey tail"? But as far as look and quality I both are at the top of their game.

Originally Posted by thehekler

I love both, how does the tail of the razor feel when held in the hand I woul think it would take some getting use to before I felt comfortable without the upturned "monkey tail"? But as far as look and quality I both are at the top of their game.

The razor is going to take some getting used to, the hold is two fingers in front and two fingers behind the scale. I have fairly large hands and cannot see any better hold. What is nice about it is that the two fingers behind feels pretty good and the tail is ground fairly thin allowing better grip through those fingers. I normally hold my razor with one finger in front and one behind, but this isn't that great a transition. I compare it to billiards, when starting a player will always check their cue for straightness, but the most advanced players (I mean the real players, not the people on TV) can pick up the most crooked piece of maple and play like it is an extension of his arm. The more razors you shave with the easier it is to transition to a new hold.

I am crazy about Phillip Dobson's work. His wood boxes have always intrigued me and he does a Japanese stye straight that I would love to own. Every thing is museum quality.