4 Attachment(s)
This is Going Straight to the Pool Room!
I just shaved with my new custom razor from Boxer Razors, the trademark of our very own Australian custom maker Stu, str8raz0r. I thought I would post a few pics in here and give some first impressions of the razor.
Attachment 92189
First, design. Stu very modestly (and generously) attributed the idea of this to me. However, I only recall saying to him in passing that I always thought the idea of a blade "hanging" from the spine would be cool. The fact that he took that to heart, thought about it, designed it, implemented it at a financial risk to himself (might have warped during heat treat) speaks volumes to me and I am forever grateful for his intrepid and trail-blazing spirit. He did not even tell me he was doing it - the first I knew was when it came back from the heat treatment. Anyway, needless to say I love the design, and based on the comments in the Workshop forum thread so too do many of the members here.
Attachment 92192
Second, quality. This razor is the equivalent of any custom I have seen or own in terms of quality and workmanship. Everything is of the highest quality - from the precision file work to the wrapping of the shank in thread. It all speaks of attention to detail and craftsmanship. The evenness and symmetry of the bevel reflects the precision of the grind. It is quite narrow at the edge - it shaves like it is a full hollow. The balance in the hand is superb. This is my first non-scaled or fixed straight and I had no problems using it or stropping it - it just fell naturally into the hand - the drop from handle to spine gives a very ergonomic feel in either hand.
Attachment 92190
Third, the shave. Stu could make a living as a honemeister I think. This razor shaved very nicely out of the box - I probably did not need to even strop it but I did because I really, really wanted to :) Being a wider blade at 8/8, but with no counterbalance that is typically provided by scales, you do have to be a little careful not to torque the spine over, but that is just a technique issue in my book, and more properly attributable to my inexperience with fixed blades. I shaved both my face and head with this razor, and it was a tremendous experience - a very smooth and close shave: two passes and done.
Attachment 92191
So overall I am exceedingly happy with this razor. I think Stu has a tremendous future as a custom maker and I feel privileged to have received one of the first of what I am sure is going to be a long list of awesome razors in the future!
James.
