Thread: My first custom build Straight Razor

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Kristian!
We are all dying to know how you did!!!!! It's the 20th of June here in the states! Let us know!!!

I was thinking the same thing...the grind work on that blade was spot on.

Exceptional craftsmanship, well done and good luck in the comp!
Sam

Hi again

I spent the weekend in Roskilde on the knife fair (I think it is called a fair?) and got to speak with a lot of nice knifemakers. There were not as many knives as last year sent to the competition, but far more in the section for "finer users" and that means like this one. Made by Gert Strømsted (Stroemsted). I'm getting bored by this kind of knife. It seems like that's the only type, Danes can make.

But... As it turned out, there were only sent two folders to the folder competition. As you might guess, I was really disapointed. A usual folder: Made by Jørgen Dobel


Now to the competition.
The slip joint made by Jørgen Dobel won first price, but mine got nothing. I would have thought that it would have been a 2nd place... but I got no price at all!

What I really came for, was the feedback from the judges. Now I'll translate, what I got back.

" Knife nr. 27 (number given in the order the knives arrived with the mail)

The knife fulfills the criterias for the specific class, but we doubt if it is safe (to use) in a long term, here having the closing function in mind.

Good idea, we haven't seen that before - Nice thought of.

The blade is of high quality (or sterling or genuine, says the dictionary) and completely fulfills its purpose.

The house (the handle) is simple but seems slight build - could maybe have been made in the same material as the blade ???

The pins are too rough, compared to the finish of the rest. The scales are unequal in thickness.

Praise for the idea and the thought, the knife will be met with enthusiasm on knife shows but we strongly doubt the durability of the house in use.

On the point scale invented for this competition where you max can get 15, the knife gets 12"


Okay, that's what the judges said about it. I dont know, who exactely judged it, but I see clear signs of NO experience with SR's. I dont even think that they ever held one.

Please, what do you think about "but we doubt if it is safe (to use) in a long term, here having the closing function in mind." because I dont know what to make of it.

Also, what does "but we strongly doubt the durability of the house in use." mean? It's quite chubby, compared to most of the razors, I've held in my hands. The scales are much thinner on traditional celloloid handles.

"The scales are unequal in thickness." Point taken. They should of cause have been the same thickness. And thats what the judge are for! To tell me if it straight or not! They have to find mistakes, that I dont even know about!
I accidently broke off a part of the scale on the inside when I was trying to scrape away some CA. The judges said nothing about this obvious flaw! I'm rather dissapointed.

Honestly, I didn't go there for the price. I came to show all the old guys that I'm here. And I made a SR because it would spice up the "boring" competition. But Im also dissapointed because there was no real "fight"! only two knives? Seriously, Denmark! Can't you do that better?!?!

Okay, I think that was it.
Best regards, Kristian

oh, by the way. I cut open a plastic bag with "kammerjunkere", a special kind of danish cookie used in desserts. The edge was quite damaged by just doing that. I need to improve my hardening skills. (and yes, I know. SR's are only for cutting hair and throats )

Kristian:

From reading the judge's comments, I suspect that perhaps he didn't even recognize it as a straight razor, and was evaluating it in terms of it being used as a regular knife...

It's too bad the judges didn't appreciate your entry for what it was. That surprised me; I have found that most people I meet have no trouble recognizing a razor for what it is, even my non-folding ones.

I too get bored with traditional Scandinavian knives. The only thing I like about them is how easy they are to grind. I think that style is too popular here in the States, so I can really feel your frustration. You'll have to come out to Montana some time, we have some very creative craftsmen.

Phillip