I really like the look of these razors

WHY

Why may I ask are all the custom razors you see all so big are they easer to make in 6/8ths and bigger than say a 4/8ths which is the size I much prefer but I have never seen a custom in this size :think002

 

Presumably it's what's being asked for, them being customs and all that. It's an interesting point though. Are the people like yourself just not ordering customs?

 

That is really unfortunate, Joe, since the prices end up rising out of reach for many. I wonder if it is proving to be advantageous for you in the end, since you had already made your name on your own, and people would have continued to seek you out. I don't imagine any "new" customers deciding to order a Chandler just because they "discovered" you on a vendor's site.

For newer makers trying to make their mark, it may even be more of a disadvantage, since the inflated prices make it less attractive to try out a lesser known, thought gifted, custom razor maker. Their razors seem to sit "on the shelves" for much longer.

As Gabor had pointed out, restored "custom" vintage razors have become an attractive option to satisfy people's cravings, at a quarter of the cost. Especially with today's economy. It seems quite a few talented new restorers have sprouted, turning out good work, and appear to be quite busy.

As for me... I missed out on getting a Chandler when they were more affordable.:angry017

 

Most people want the larger ones. I prefer about a 6 or 7/8, myself. I suspect a lot of customs sit on the shelf or as displays on the 'bragging board'. I am making a lot more smaller (6/8) razors, though. I've even made a 5/8 or two, but they didn't really sell well. In addition, every maker sort of settles into a groove, since it requires more sizes of wheels for different sizes of razors, and that's not an inexpensive proposition. An 8" contact wheel with tooling arm and work rest is going to run you around $350-400, so you have to make them based on your equipment as well. I now have 4 wheels, from 4" to 10", so I'm able to make several different sizes, depending on what the customer wants.

 

OK I found the one I want, seriously

 

But I also like this one too

 

O, yes.

 

Wow... Somehow, I managed to miss this thread originally.

Mike257's original post links to my gallery on another forum. Both of those custom razors are mine. Both were well under $1K when I bought them, and I don't believe that they would be the same prices today.

To answer Ragnost's question, I prefer the larger and heavier blades in my collection. So, when getting customs, I wanted to get styles that I've enjoyed using more. That, and I figure if I'm paying top dollar, I'm going to get my money's worth!

Hey Mike, here's my latest custom -- RW 8/8 Barber Style, 1/4 hollow with burgundy micarta...

(Isaac & Blair -- Marty too -- are right!)

 

Wow,Wow....

 

Go ahead Mike and make an order. You know you want to.

bj

 

Beautiful razors O.o
from the original post, I liked the second one better the style is very exotic and the way the metal looks gives it a special ... medieval look? I don't know but is certainly somethign different.
I get the feeling of an old sword that has seen many battles, the blade is not "uuuu shiny" and that is what gives it that great look.

The last one posted is the opposite. Shiny and elegant. Something that would be used by a gentleman

This is the kind of collectibles people would say "YOU SPENT HOW MUCH ON THAT THING?!!" but you know it is well worth (still drooling).

Do you shave with this fine razors? or do u use a common one?

 

I use all of them. I have a healthy collection of razors ranging in age (100+ years old to only a few), size, and grind. My customs fall into rotation whenever I get the urge to use 'em.

 

Has anyone ever seen a Sedef straight razor. Made in turkey but i cant find them out here in the U.S.

 

How will Damascus hold up to water ?

I may try and make some custom straight razors next ,,,,

 

As good as HCS holds up to water.