This thread is being started, because of all the negativity floating around on forums about Straight Razors made in Pakistan. I think it would be interesting to hear from others, and to get comments from members about these razors, be it Positive, or Negative. Also, pics would be nice. Being "Thick Skulled", I have to experience things for myself. So, I Bought one of the newly made examples, that are advertised. It's a "Two Golden Man" razor. It cost around $14. My first impression was that the plastic scales looked about the roughest I have ever seen. The blade looked fine, until you looked at the edge. I kid you not, it looks like they set the bevel on a roadside curb. It would probably work better as a small saw, than a letter opener. But, that's the only judgement I have for not. I will save further comments until after I try to set a bevel and hone it, if it's possible.
I honestly would NEVER buy anything with a blade especially a straight razor from Pakistan. While I've never had a straight razor I have had several knives made in Pakistan, both folding and fixed blade, and ALL of them were terrible. Not only was the fit and finish less than stellar all the steel was just junk.
I have a couple of really heavy pocket knives (4+ inches) that have good steel. (80's production) The problem is that the steel they used was probably taken from car leaf springs, so it's insanely hard to get a good edge. Once you've honed them, you don't have to sharpen them again for years. I don't think it's so much a matter of the steel from Pakistan being crap - it's that it's a crap-shoot what you'll get from any particular maker.
I'm in the process of trying to set a good bevel. It's difficult, because the spine is too narrow. I started with 3 layers of tape, then replaced, when worn, adding an additional layer each time. I now have 7 layers and another three might be perfect. I'm having a bugger of a time with a small portion in the center, getting an edge. My hand started to cramp, so I'm taking a break. This Pakistani razor makes honing a Russian Straight look like a breeze.
Well, I was not getting the bevel set with the 7 layers. I then looked carefully under the 60x loupe. It showed microchipping. A few curse words later, and I thought about it. 1. Take a hammer to it. 2. Add three more layers of tape. So I ripped off the tape, and added 10 layers. I blackened the edge with a Sharpie, and did a few laps on the 1k. It now looked like a proper angle. I dulled the edge, until I could see no more microchipping under the loupe. Then I proceeded to try to set the bevel. 10 minutes later, It felt sharp. Under the 60x, there wasn't microchipping. Hmmmm, maybe It can work. So, I continued on with the 3k/8k ??? stone, the 8k 12k 15k Welsh Slates, and the SB Arkie progression. It felt super sharp, until the leather. It wasn't popping hairs like it should. I hit the Chromium Oxide lined some more, and the leather, a lot. It is now popping hairs down the entire edge. SOOOOO, the tell will be in the shave tonight. Razor- "Three Gold Man", Made in Pakistan. Along with all the wasted tape. 2, 3, 5, 7, and 10 layers.
I got 3 stroke into the shave, and the edge gave up. Not just a waste of time, but I cut my finger too. The blade extends past the scales, when closed, slightly. Just enough to get the inside crease of my index finger. Not deep, hardly noticeable, but a 1 hour bleeder. I have it's fate already sealed. "Die Paki Razor Die". A slow fate only befitting the worst razors.
I had to find out for myself. So, all the rumors about Pakistan razors are true, not a myth. They Suck!!! I just hope my Paki Razor enjoys the company of the cell rot razor and scales, inside a plastic baggie.
i think we all should send our crappy razors to DaltonGang so he can execute them in his cell rot chamber
I cannot state that I am surprised at the less-than-satisfactory results achieved with that steel. Those razors tend to hold an edge as well as wet newsprint.
I know, I know. But, if I'm advising others about how crappy a razor is, I feel better if I have first hand knowledge of how bad it really is. Plus, you guys know someone who has now honed and attempted to shave with a Pakistani Razor.