Custom Straight Razors

[EventHorizon]

I'm a big fan of fine craftsmanship in any form, and something I particularly enjoy is modern techniques applied to old world functionality. In this case straight razors. For my 40th my wife is having one specially made for me by a very gifted artist and razorsmith Alex Jacques. I spoke with Alex and found out he's also a shooting enthusiast. He's based in Philadelphia, PA. Here's a sample of his work, I love the bullet hole effect...

To see more of his fantastic razors and designs check out his site:

www.customrazors.com

Enjoy!

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

ive always wanted to learn how to shave with one of these. Any suggestions?

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Well, the technique itself is pretty straight forward. I learnt just by watching a few YouTube vids and then starting slowly and in small steps. Haven't cut myself yet... I'll dig some out for you. The tricky part is the maintenance of the blade, working up the lather, etc. It can be made into a whole ceremony or a quick 10min affair.

A good place to go for all the info you'll ever need is

www.straightrazorplace.com

This is where I leant.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

That is a great website. Ive been reading it for the past hour or so. Im definitely going to give it a try. I usually get a straight shave once or twice a month at the barber shop. But I would love to just do it myself.

 

[Graham]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

who made that razor? I dont mind spending some ching on a nice razor, but the prices Im seeing on some of these custom razors is insane.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

The Mastro's can be very pricey. But whether you go with a Dovo intro set ( recommended) or Chandler or Jacques keep in mind, that razor will outlast you, your son and probably the next generation too with proper care.

Jacques uses the same steel as Randall knives and his grinds, unique design and attention to detail create true works of art. Life is short, get the best.

 

[TLong]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I love that design! I have been wanting to get a S.R. for a while now. I almost talked myself in to a DOVO set, but I think I'm going to hold off now. Those bullet holes are crzy cool. Thanks for posting.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jig Stick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ive always wanted to learn how to shave with one of these. Any suggestions? </div></div>

Go get a shave here http://www.theartofshaving.com/retail/locations and have them explain it to you. Theres a location in your neck of the woods it look like.

The one I went to is awsome the sales staff seriously spent over an hour with me explaining EVERYTHING from the razors and upkeep to strops and the various products.

Dont be afraid its not as bad as most think.

Event horizon, thats a very nice SR! For now I'm sticking with a Theirs Issard but have been eying some of the Feather Jap SR's

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

For those of you interested in getting into cut throat shaves Badger and Blade is the Snipers Hide of the SR crowd.

 

[Rhys]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Another good option is some of the restored or well cared for vintage blades out there. I use a pair of Schmidts out of Solingen Germany that are around 120 years old.

 

[Sean the Nailer]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I have both a Kleen Kutter and a Boker here. SR shaves are the definite best way to go. That being said, the OP sure has got a nice edge coming in.

Very much so.

--the Kleen Kutter is the actual blade that one of my grandfather's carried with him, and used, across Europe during WWII.

 

[ArcticLight]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I've been wanting one of these for a LONG Time, thanks for the link!

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anchor Zero Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body">For those of you interested in getting into cut throat shaves Badger and Blade is the Snipers Hide of the SR crowd. </div></div>

Yeah, just watch out while you're buying custom this and custom that for a guy who I believe sells bone-handled brushes on there. Goes by Kim Son. More than a little squirrelly and in other non-shaving-related dealings people have had to either have plenty of patience and God's grace.

 

[Big Ray Ray]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I've heard that razors go dull because of microscopic rust forming on the edge. Rust that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The cartridges for my razor are ridiculously expensive. I bought the green barbers liquid that they keep their scissors in. It will about double the life of a cartridge. That liquid serves two purposes for barbers. Sanitation but also as importantly rust inhibition. I have been thinking of buying one of the fancy super steel bladed straight razors and leather strop, but old habits die hard.

 

[aqualung]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Ray Ray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard that razors go dull because of microscopic rust forming on the edge. Rust that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The cartridges for my razor are ridiculously expensive. I bought the green barbers liquid that they keep their scissors in. It will about double the life of a cartridge. That liquid serves two purposes for barbers. Sanitation but also as importantly rust inhibition. I have been thinking of buying one of the fancy super steel bladed straight razors and leather strop, but old habits die hard. </div></div>

Big Ray Ray,

Know what you mean about the razor cartridges. Interested to find out where you get the green liquid from.
My cartridges have those lubricating strips on them, does this dissolve in the Barbers fluid? If so, does it make an unholy mess?

The rest of you SR fans, I've never had the balls to either have a go myself, or let anyone near me with one, but I've often thought of trying it. Comes from living in the land of Sweeney Todd I guess! But my question to you guys is this, does it give you a better shave than a multi-blade cartridge razor, if so, why?

Thanks for the post!!

N

 

[Blueclawz]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Anchor Zero Six</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Go get a shave here http://www.theartofshaving.com/retail/locations and have them explain it to you. Theres a location in your neck of the woods it look like. </div></div>

Yeah but they were unwilling to knock the short hairs off my ball bag when I whipped it out. Apparently that can only be done by the pro's down at the HAIR CUTTERY...

 

[Veer_G]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Paduan Learner</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Ray Ray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard that razors go dull because of microscopic rust forming on the edge. Rust that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The cartridges for my razor are ridiculously expensive. I bought the green barbers liquid that they keep their scissors in. It will about double the life of a cartridge. That liquid serves two purposes for barbers. Sanitation but also as importantly rust inhibition. I have been thinking of buying one of the fancy super steel bladed straight razors and leather strop, but old habits die hard. </div></div>

Big Ray Ray,

Know what you mean about the razor cartridges. Interested to find out where you get the green liquid from.
My cartridges have those lubricating strips on them, does this dissolve in the Barbers fluid? If so, does it make an unholy mess?

The rest of you SR fans, I've never had the balls to either have a go myself, or let anyone near me with one, but I've often thought of trying it. Comes from living in the land of Sweeney Todd I guess! But my question to you guys is this, does it give you a better shave than a multi-blade cartridge razor, if so, why?

Thanks for the post!!

N </div></div>

The <span style="font-style: italic">blue</span> liquid is called Barbicide. It used to be that most distributors of beauty and barbering supplies would sell strictly to the trade. This being modern times, thank God for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Barbicide-Disinfectant-New-Quatz-Sterilizer/dp/B0001K55QS

Remembering back to when I removed hair from my body, and the times that I indulged myself in a barbershop shave, I can't really come up with anything to prove or disprove the claim by enthusiasts that straight-razor shaves are cleaner or closer. They are, however, a ritualistic treat. It's about as relaxed as you can be with a total stranger standing there dragging a wicked sharp implement across your face. Part of it is the hypnotic sound of the razor as it's stropped, part of it is the cocooned feeling of being stretched out like a pasha in the barbershop chair, warm towels softening your beard, and then the warm lather on the face, only to be replaced in strips by the cool feeling of just-shaved skin emerging out from underneath the barber's work. If you've never indulged yourself, try it once.

Damn, that <span style="font-style: italic">does</span> sound good, doesn't it?

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

This is the last post I'm going to put in this thread as I fear we are hijacking EventHorizons thread and that is a fine blade worthy of its own thread.

Feel free to start a new thread regarding SR questions.

OK so if you happen to still be leary of trying a SR at least try using a single blade safety razor. The multiblade razors, primarily 2 blade designs so in fashion these days are well documented to cause skin irritation (ie bumps and ingrown hairs). The first blade "lifts" the hair but often the hair retracts below the skin before the second blade can cut it short enough to regrow straight. This happens when the hair retracts under the skin at an angle and will regrow at that angle thereby becoming ingrown.

SR and single blade safety razors cut with one blade thus preventing all the lift and cut bullshit.

If you must use a cartrige razor at least try using products besides the shit in a can from the grocery store. Get a brush, start with a cheap one till you can justify getting a nice one and use soap or cream made with natural fats. The canned shit has alot of alcohol and other things that dry out your skin.

Probably getting a bit deep into the process for those looking just to try it but the tried and true routine is to steam the whiskers (with hot damp towels or shave after taking a shower), apply shave oil, lather up with soap and a brush (this will massage the pores and stand up the hairs) and then shave. To finish it off I rinse with cold water and rub an alum block over my face then use a quality after shave balm (again use one with natural fats/oils).

OH and if you are considering trying a SR DO NOT start with a squared tip! Get a rounded tip unless you like to bleed alot.

As already stated there are forums dedicated to the subject as well as lots of info on youtube.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I don't mind at all. I just thought that design of razor would appeal to some folks here.

When I get mine I'll post pics for sure. Cannot wait!

As clarification, that's not my razor. I'll be getting something different but for my next razor from Alex it will definitely have a shooting theme.

As for using a straight razor, I believe the shave is superior and more comfortable. The multiple blades of today actually are a major cause of ingrown hair and irritation. With my straight and a couple of passes my face is clean, smooth and irritation free.

 

[jasonk]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Has anyone else used this? Got a small sample and it really worked well just using the standard Gillette style razors.

http://www.amazon.com/SHAVE-SECRET-SHAVI...8150&sr=8-2

I've always wanted to try a straight razor, maybe I'll go track down a shave shop and see if I can hurt myself.

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

No I use this http://www.theartofshaving.com/shop/shaving-products/pre-shave-oil

AOS in Portland you should check it out. They have sample kits that have the Oil, Lather Cream and aftershave balm.

Or shoot me your addy via PM and I'll send you one or two.

 

[CharlieTN]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jig Stick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">ive always wanted to learn how to shave with one of these. Any suggestions? </div></div>

Badger and Blade or Straight Razor Place. Both are great forums for traditional shaving. Of course the second one will be more geared toward the Straight razor. By all means, do some basic reading, consider switching to a double-edge safety razor and traditional wet shaving first, then give the straight razor a chance.

http://www.whippeddog.com/ Has great prices on salvaged razors that are a great place to start.

I shave with a combination of a straight razor followed by a double-edge safety exclusively. No more cartridges.

Charlie

feel free to pm with any questions if you need help.

 

[CharlieTN]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Oh, and to the original poster. That is an awesome looking razor. Can't wait to see what yours looks like when it's done.

I currently shave with a salvaged Repenhagen Diamondine. Love it.

Charlie

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Mine will look something like this...

I would LOVE to get one where the scales are parchment colored and have the inscription "We the People...".

 

[Anchor Zero Six]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

WOW! Thats a very interesting blade shape, I like it!

 

[BOLTRIPPER]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

boltripper shaves with his HIDE FIGHTER......

 

[mexicanmatch]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

That is one awsomee razor, it's a far cry from my sheffield.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Sheffields are some formidable razors, especially the Wade & Butchers of the 1800s. Something I'd like very much to have one day.

I have a couple of good vintage razors and they shave superbly, but the modern ones are the ones that have my imagination captured. The pic above is Alex's version of the traditional French Point. He's added a distinctive 'smile' to the edge. The tang is just perfect in it's proportion to the large, heavy blade.

 

[aqualung]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Veer_G</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Paduan Learner</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Big Ray Ray</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I've heard that razors go dull because of microscopic rust forming on the edge. Rust that cannot be seen with the naked eye. The cartridges for my razor are ridiculously expensive. I bought the green barbers liquid that they keep their scissors in. It will about double the life of a cartridge. That liquid serves two purposes for barbers. Sanitation but also as importantly rust inhibition. I have been thinking of buying one of the fancy super steel bladed straight razors and leather strop, but old habits die hard. </div></div>

Big Ray Ray,

Know what you mean about the razor cartridges. Interested to find out where you get the green liquid from.
My cartridges have those lubricating strips on them, does this dissolve in the Barbers fluid? If so, does it make an unholy mess?

The rest of you SR fans, I've never had the balls to either have a go myself, or let anyone near me with one, but I've often thought of trying it. Comes from living in the land of Sweeney Todd I guess! But my question to you guys is this, does it give you a better shave than a multi-blade cartridge razor, if so, why?

Thanks for the post!!

N </div></div>

The <span style="font-style: italic">blue</span> liquid is called Barbicide. It used to be that most distributors of beauty and barbering supplies would sell strictly to the trade. This being modern times, thank God for Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Barbicide-Disinfectant-New-Quatz-Sterilizer/dp/B0001K55QS

Remembering back to when I removed hair from my body, and the times that I indulged myself in a barbershop shave, I can't really come up with anything to prove or disprove the claim by enthusiasts that straight-razor shaves are cleaner or closer. They are, however, a ritualistic treat. It's about as relaxed as you can be with a total stranger standing there dragging a wicked sharp implement across your face. Part of it is the hypnotic sound of the razor as it's stropped, part of it is the cocooned feeling of being stretched out like a pasha in the barbershop chair, warm towels softening your beard, and then the warm lather on the face, only to be replaced in strips by the cool feeling of just-shaved skin emerging out from underneath the barber's work. If you've never indulged yourself, try it once.

Damn, that <span style="font-style: italic">does</span> sound good, doesn't it?

</div></div>

Shit yeah, it does! SOLD to the fat white boy!

N

 

[pickpick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

All this straight razor talk has prompted me to dig out my pawpaw's old razors. I found his soap mug and brush along with his old gillette double side safety razor. In the same box was two of his straight razors, a Langstaff & Co and a Wm Elliot special. The straight razors are awful rusty but, I'm glad I have them. Wish they weren't so rusty, I'd try to learn on them.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pickpick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All this straight razor talk has prompted me to dig out my pawpaw's old razors. I found his soap mug and brush along with his old gillette double side safety razor. In the same box was two of his straight razors, a Langstaff & Co and a Wm Elliot special. The straight razors are awful rusty but, I'm glad I have them. Wish they weren't so rusty, I'd try to learn on them. </div></div>

they can possibly be restored to their former glory. Post a pic of them. There are a number of people who restore/sharpen razors for a small fee. I'd be interested is see pics of yours.

 

[RJW]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Get some good double edge blades and use that Gillete. You have the mug and brush. Cake of soap and you are good to go.

 

[pickpick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: EventHorizon</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pickpick</div><div class="ubbcode-body">All this straight razor talk has prompted me to dig out my pawpaw's old razors. I found his soap mug and brush along with his old gillette double side safety razor. In the same box was two of his straight razors, a Langstaff & Co and a Wm Elliot special. The straight razors are awful rusty but, I'm glad I have them. Wish they weren't so rusty, I'd try to learn on them. </div></div>

they can possibly be restored to their former glory. Post a pic of them. There are a number of people who restore/sharpen razors for a small fee. I'd be interested is see pics of yours. </div></div>

I will post up some pics tomorrow. I only have an Iphone for a camera so, I hope the pictures can tell anything. My uncle has another one he said that might not be much good cause pawpaw tried to sharpen it with a wet stone in his old age. I may ask if he'll let me send it some where to have it restored with these two.

 

[Lt. Arclight]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Here's one of mine.Damascus by Joe Chandler.

And yet another custom by Robert Williams 8/8 Frenchpoint w/micarda scales.

And another Robert Williams creation. Remember learning to shave with them isn't that hard. Learning to hone them is alot harder.

 

[pickpick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RJW</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Get some good double edge blades and use that Gillete. You have the mug and brush. Cake of soap and you are good to go. </div></div>

I'm leaning in this direction. There is actually a cake of soap in the bottom of his mug and, there was almost a full pack of schik blades lying with it. I've found a beauty supply house in town that stocks professional shaving supplies. I will probably make a stop by there tomorrow for some new soap and such.

 

[tullius]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Careful with those damn double edge things: before I went to straights, I tried using one of those as an interim stepping stone and ended up cutting the heck out of my face.

I find a straight is much, much easier to use on account of actually being able to see & feel the angle of the blade.

 

[mexicanmatch]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I was told my Shefield was made sometime in the 18 hundreds it has a handle that i dont know what it is made od. I have another one made by H. Bboker& Co. N01831-Germany, there is a slash mark unde thr o and the blade says, well i cant read all of it but it says underneath hollow ground Razor. I dont use thim.i strap one of them to my leg when i go out just incase i need to shave. I am on Coumadin, you understand.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mexican match</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I was told my Shefield was made sometime in the 18 hundreds it has a handle that i dont know what it is made od. I have another one made by H. Bboker& Co. N01831-Germany, there is a slash mark unde thr o and the blade says, well i cant read all of it but it says underneath hollow ground Razor. I dont use thim.i strap one of them to my leg when i go out just incase i need to shave. I am on Coumadin, you understand. </div></div>

Mate, you might have something special there. Take some pics.

 

[Quarter Horse]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I shaved with a Durham Duplex until going into the Army in '67. Much superior to the normal safety razor. Are the brushes still "badger hair bristles?"

 

[ArmaHeavy]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

I think they switched to honey badger hair, awhile ago.

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Quarter Horse</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I shaved with a Durham Duplex until going into the Army in '67. Much superior to the normal safety razor. Are the brushes still "badger hair bristles?" </div></div>

They are. Unfortunately they are mostly sourced from China. If there is a hell then it's being an animal in China. I buy boar brushes from Spain or just use synthetics.

 

[pickpick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

Here is the pic of the razors of my pawpaw's. Sorry the pic isn't any good.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Graham</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

</div></div>

Who makes this razor?

 

[EventHorizon]

Re: Custom Straight Razors

So it was my birthday recently. The wife knows I've coveted custom razors for a while and she gets me this simply stunning piece of art:

The artist/smith is Tim Zowada and he makes these from scratch - as in he smelts the ore from sand and then gets to hammering and heating and folding.

It's made from 01/L6 Damascus, 1/4 Hollow grind with a worked (scalloped) spine.

Oh happy day and I have one loving wife...