Looking for some constructive criticisim

take a look at the attached and let me know what you think.
the two razors in wood scales are 440C Stainless Steel. one in rose wood scales and the other in dark walnut. they are my first attempts. The last two razors are O1 tool steel with carbon fiber scales and Delrin wedge. i am currently shaving with the 440 but the O1 still requires hardening and final grinding. I have made these without owning a "regular" straight. I have also been wet shaving for only 2-3 months. I feel like there is a lot that i am over looking. let me know what you think.

Those look great. Keep up the good work. How do they shave?

They seem to get better with every shave. Whether it is my skill in honing, stropping, or just shaving technique is hard to say.

That's great. It's good to have a Toronto local making custom razors. Hope to see some more coming out of your workshop.

Some Constructive criticism....

On the first razor, the scales seem to large for the blade and the peening a bit large and rough.

I would get yourself a shave ready "Regular" straight to get a better idea what you are aiming for.

First, thank you. Second, I think that I need an explanation of the scales being too big. Are you talking in regards to thickness or just over all they look too chunky?

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Originally Posted by racenutt68

First, thank you. Second, I think that I need an explanation of the scales being too big. Are you talking in regards to thickness or just over all they look too chunky?

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I would say they look to chunky. they somewhat dwarf the blade IMO and could stand to be thinned a little. and i would a agree the pivot pin could be smaller as well. FWIW my taste is to have the blade the focus of the razor and the scales complimenting it but YMMV.

But its a GREAT start!!!! Keep at it and look forward to seeing more!

I have to be honest and say I'm not a big fan - I would say it's obvious that you don't own an actual straight razor from which to base your design.

Looks like you have the ability to make a good razor, but not the knowledge of the details. I also have to say that unless you'd plan to sell them, the only opinion that really matters is yours.

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Originally Posted by ats200

I have to be honest and say I'm not a big fan - I would say it's obviously you don't own an actual straight razor from which to base your design.

Looks like you have the ability to make a good razor, but not the knowledge of the details. I also have to say that unless you'd plan to sell them, the only opinion that really matters is yours.

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What would you say makes it obvious that I do not own an actual straight razor? You stated that my design seems a little off, what about it is out of the norm? Or would you say that something does not appear that functional? Be as blunt as you wish, please.

hard to tell exactly but it seems like there is absolutely no tapering and no defined spine or shoulder. I also think the tang is a little thin on the second razor which doesn't look bad but might be weird when stropping.

Is the razor in CF scales full edge with no hollow at all? How does that hone? I have attempted to hone one that was full wedge (a kamisori) and it was impossible to do, it would stick to the stones like crazy.

Okay. The following is just my opinion:

- Imo the tangs are a bit thin.
- The first design has too many straight lines. They look almost like rulers.
- With the curvy one, I'd say it look 'off' because you have a very straight edge with a very curvy spine. Imo those two options don't go well together.
- The pin of the wedge in the fiberglass scales should go in the middle imo. Having it so far at the bottom looks a bit weird, and the wedge might move over time.

Not sure about the first one, it might be that the scales are a bit oversized, as have already been said. The second, I love the lines of it, but I would like a square section on the shank personally. and as for the offset pin, I like it! It's unusual, but in a good way.
I'm new at the whole straight razor thing, by the way so I can only comment on aesthetics. I have no idea what physical attributes make for a good razor!

Keep going!

Iain

I do agree what has been said about the details - however, I must say I do like the profiling of the first razor a lot. The hollowing is nice, even and clean, and it is well polished. The second might be similar, but it's hard to tell with no front picture. The most important thing about the razor, and the most difficult, is the grinding of the blade. The other parts are important, but with a little studying you'll get them right. Keep it up, I think those are great first razors.

Oh, the scales - they should actually bend a little, outwards. The wedge will make them curl put a little, provided they are thin enough to flex a little. It makes the design much classier, and also holds an important function.

Nothing to add that hasn't been said, other than in terms of build quality, they look excellent, I especially love the minimalism and simplicity of the first blade, and also the vibe of the scales need refinement. That is all. Excellent job!

Love the walnut one myself. The fiber ones are nice, but a bit too curvy for my taste. But, I am still learning and haven't made one, yet.

Take what I say with a grain of salt because I'm still new to all of this but I am just starting to get into restores and such.

To me, they look like the kind of razor someone would make if they had never seen a razor, like they've only ever read about them in magazines without photos. Many of the people here tend to be purists (correct me if I'm overstating), so I can understand how it seems to be off to some people. I think it's cool though. There's an utilitarian kind of feel to them, like you know they'll work just fine. The first one looks like it could be a killer steampunk razor if you added the proper embellishments on the scales.

Keep up the good work!!! I wish I had half of your skill.

Ok I will jump in here. First of all let me begin by telling you you did a great job! The first razor is done very well, utilitarian and no frills shape. Sort of a function over form design, industrial. With that said it is at odds with the scales. The scales seem to be very chunky. I would maybe unpin the razor and thin them in width. Square off the end of the scale in the toe section and use either nickel silver pins and washers or torx head stainless. I would also add that this razor is my favorite of the two.
The second razor is in stark contrast to the first. It is more form over function. It reminds me of a Japanese style razor. To my eye the tang width works but for a fixed blade design. It looks to thin for a folding razor and the pivot is too far to the tail giving what is already a thin design look fragile and worrisome. The scales IMO should mimic and compliment the blade and not be at odds with it.

This is all the constructive criticism I can give you. You obviously have the talent and know how to make a razor so now refine it. Overall great job, it's better than I personally could have done
Keep at it!

Thank you all who have added their advise and point of view. You have all given me much to think about. In saying that I have begun grinding a smile in one of the blades. Not the easiest thing I have attempted. I am trying to keep the wedge profile to the razor. I am thinking that a hollow grind would be easier in that I would not have a bow in blade thickness. Perhaps I am going about it all wrong, I suppose that I will find out soon enough. I did however find out that I am not good at heat treating myself. I wreaked 4 blades in the process before deciding that I should just sent them out.

Take the 4 blades and have them re heat treated