My first Australian custom razor

[Straight up]

Hey gents,

My first custom razor arrived yesterday and I'm itching to use it for today's shave.

A quick heads up before I do a full review.

Size-5/8”

Grind-Bellied hollow grind

Steel-Solingen Carbon steel 1.2210

Finish- Mirror polish

Point- Spanish point

Scales- Bethlehem olive wood

Wedge- Mulga

Pins- Nickel silver

Washers- Stainless steel

Manufacturer- S.K.Colling and Co

 

[Wilkshire13]

Hey you bought one! Keen to hear your thoughts as I am on the fence at the moment

 

[Straight up]

Hey you bought one! Keen to hear your thoughts as I am on the fence at the moment

I just used it for the first time this morning and it was fantastic. I'm going to use it a few more times then do a comprehensive review, that should get you off the fence.

 

[Ebonysw45]

Deja Vu moment. I’m sure we 3+1 had this discussion somewhere else. Now we have a 2nd point of view and an increased pool of knowledge. Cheers for the write up.

 

[Holiday]

A quick heads up before I do a full review.
Manufacturer- S.K.Colling and Co

Congrats! @Straight up nice looking razor. Is that a thumb notch on the tang or a trick of the light?

I see them on the Bay for $250 did you find a cheaper price?

 

[Straight up]

Holiday,
No thumb notch, just a trick of the light. The $250 range has mother of pearl or Mammoth (can you believe it, Mammoth?)

 

[Straight up]

Holiday,

Sorry, I was incorrect. Yes it is a thumb notch (I think of something else when people talk of a thumb notch). In the image you can see that there is a definite 'notch' just to the rear of the shoulder.

I love a thumb notch and have them on all of my Thiers Issard blades, voila.

This example is what you mean by thumb notch I hope.

 

[Holiday]

Yes, that is what I have realised separates the little Dorko from all my other blades is the extra ergonomics of the thumb notch,
The TI is a beauty. I am still being thrifty with purchases buying good quality but rough 2nd hand razors and restoring them. Enjoying the journey and lessons learnt.
One day I may splash out on a new TI like the one above

 

[Straight up]

Holiday,
That was a second hand TI. It sells for US$285 but I picked it up (with a strop) for around AU$100 off the bay; bargain! The blade had some minor spots and a logo I didn't want. 1 hour later and viola! Sweet, sweet success. I love buys like this, they are worth the wait.

The Australian custom straight costs around the price of a mid to high end manufactured razor (Dovo/TI/Boker) but is a full custom. When viewed in that light it's a bargain, or so I tell the wife. Sometimes I just say it represents 4 tanks of petrol which would last 4 weeks, while the razor will last a lifetime. How could you say no?

 

[Ebonysw45]

Might have to grab one myself.

 

[Holiday]

I picked it up (with a strop) for around AU$100 off the bay

Bargain

 

[Lefonque]

Looks great.