Thread: A Spyderco straight razor is in the works....

I am pleased to announce that Spyderco, the knife company of Golden Colorado, has a prototype straight razor of mine. It has been accepted for evaluation for production. This is my market research.

My good friend of many years, Sal Glesser is the owner of the company. Sal shaved for decades with a straight blade. He says he stopped when his "eyes would no longer let him see his face." He has not given up interest in razors.

We've discussed this project for several years now. A great many variables have already received consideration. The prototype is a blade made of O-1 and heat treated in my shop to become Bainite phase material instead of the usual Martensite phase. We've discussed two options. More in a series of American made O-1 steel in Golden CO and potentially the use of CPM154. This is a very good stain resistant option for shavers that don't want the Bainitic treatment.

I know, and Sal does, that taking a knifemaker's reputation into the razor world is not something done lightly. Here's what we are asking for. Please make any comments suggestions or discussion that you feel a need to make. What works for you? What doesn't? This really is a community chance to push all the variables around before a blade is first ground.

I'll suggest that the prototype is a 4/4 size blade, within W&B FBU general outlines. Yes, there is a hole in the blade, it's Spyderco's trademark. That's tucked up under the spine toward the tang. It has been professionally honed. Feedback by a select group and guidance during prototyping is already in place. As you all know, this is not the firm limits of how things could be. Success will likely breed more successes. You can have a part in that.

This is my first foray into the commercial world. I'll do my best to be impartial and without conflict of interest as before. However, I am a Spyderco collaborator/designer. The appearance of conflict is obvious.

Sounds exciting. The only company of which I am aware that is currently in operation making both straight razors and knives on a large scale is Boker.

Historically, knives and razors were made by cutlers who often produced an entire range of products ranging from tableware to razors and knives and swords.

I wish you and Spyderco lots of success and look forward to seeing the product when it emerges from prototyping.

No thumb notch on the tang!

No drill hole. Use a black dot. Holes bad, dots not

Mike Blue-

This is from my perspective when I look for a straight razor.

1) I look for a hollow ground blade. My preference is 3/4 to full. No too fond of full wedges. They just don't work for me.

2) I look for a good steel blade. I usually buy blades that are vintage made in UK, US and Germany

3) My preference is at least 5/8 and favorite is a 6/8 hollow ground.

4) And finally, price is a huge consideration. I don't buy custom high end razors (Overpriced and overrated) because I can get a vintage straight razor that is a great shaver for less than $75.00. I buy a razor for performance, not because it looks pretty!

That's my feedback. Hope this helps you and I wish you great luck in your business venture!

John

Is it fair to assume Spyderco is looking a producing a line of production razors rather than custom ones?

If that’s the case, I’d like to suggest round point (or French, which is my favourite) or a blunted square point, no shoulder/stabilizer and top and bottom jimps. I’d also suggest no fancy spine work, since that gets in the way of honing for many folks. A choice of scale materials and pinning options would be great. ANd please, nothing that looks like it belongs to a Game of Thrones character or a zombie killer.

Wow Mike! This is very exciting. I love Spyderco folding knives and would love to see a production straight razor. I prefer a 5/8 or 6/8 size with full hollow grind and round or Spanish point, but utilize anything from full wedge to extra hollow and all point types in my regular rotation . I have been shaving with a straight for about 10 years now and have tried a little of everything out there. I have 7/8 to 9/8 sizes but find them a bit too big for my tastes. I think this is an awesome project. I was glad to see the trademark Spydie hole will be on the razor. Think we can do the Spydie flick with razor like with their knives? I'd sign up to purchase Spyderco straight razors made in Golden Colorado - made in USA all the way!

Lou

I wish you well in your venture.

In the old days when cutlers sold every type of utensils they knew the difference between a knife and a straight razor. Lets just say some times that has been forgotten in modern times for knife makers wanting to add making straight razors to there repertoire. I also think a lot of straight razor users like a straight razor to look like a traditional straight razor. It is really hard to improve what has evolved over 300 odd years.

I understand that a hole in the blade is a Syderco trademark but for me it does not work with a straight razor as I am a traditionalist. The minimum preferable size for me is 5/8 but better yet 6/8 in full hollow with any of the traditional style tips.

Bob

Trademark hole should be visible above the scales (cut out on scale to accommodate maybe?)....rust moisture issue.

Pinned traditionally with wedge...no torx, screws or spacers

FBU is fine but 1/4 to 1/2 hollow at least.

No bulky or skeletonized scales.

No wicked spike, meat cleaver or axe like blade profiles.

Keep the final bevel angle within the traditional SR range.

An extended monkey tail tang would be interesting, similar to the DePew

Keep the HRC reasonable so it can be maintained with traditional stones...don't max it out

Whatever they come up will not satisfy everyone. So the bashing will begin. Lol. Personally I have too many razors as it is but would be interested in seeing what they come up with. The hole in the razor doesn't bother me. Nice fitted scales and hollow ground and maybe I would consider it. This company has a great reputation and I think it could work. But time will tell.

Make it look and act like a real straight. I find 6/8 to 7/8 big enough and half to full hollow to be my liking. But i dont own custom razors. I can buy vintage for much less than 100 bucks and it will shave as it should. So the cost is one of the biggest factors for me.