Straight Razor Natural Wood Scale Handmade - Sharp, Carbon Steel Cutthroat Straight Edge Blade (Black)

I purchased the "upgraded" version of this straight razor with a wood handle. Perhaps the blade can get sharper, but I found the blade usable out of the box and may experiment. 4-5 stars so far on the blade, which for ~$30 at time of purchase, I don't think I could ask for more.The wood handle seems to want to splinter. I was wondering for a moment if I was going to get a sliver while holding the edge of the handle. 2 stars for the handle.The case is a nice touch, 5 stars for effort, 3 stars for the case quality itself, but again given the cost, I couldn't ask for more.Here's where my gears are grinding. Though a bit over the top for me, it's understandable that there's a sticker on the blade instructing us to wipe the blade after use and other instructions to prevent rusting, fair enough. However, "please" is spelled "pls" on the sticker, which has me looking at it in a bad way. I'm familiar with the seller's desire to help, but right in the case is another sticker instructing us not to leave negative reviews but to email the seller with problems, and with "please" spelled "pls". 1 out of 5 sleaze factor.The manufacturer is certainly capable of putting out a 5 start product at cost I believe. I found the blade itself to be great out of the box, perhaps not 100%, but certainly serviceable. I'll keep the blade and try to treat the wood handle perhaps, but the seller absolutely has to get rid of the sleazy presentation at minimum if I buy from them again.

This had carbon steel. Not heavy steel. From my experience, do not use 3k grit stone as recommended by Amazon to hone. The 8k may work. After using finer grits to try and sharpen, came to conclusion that this particular metal was too soft. Out of the box, it worked more like a comb and back scratcher. It pulled/scratched over stubles with very few stuble shaving.Honed and stroped using finer grits to finally get edge; however, after a 1.5 partial strokes on broad side of cheek, blade dulled, and began pull/scratch effect. It was worse than the cheap plastic disposable bic razor. The steel quality is poor. I prefer the heavier and wider stainless steel old school straight razor designs. The carbon, in my opinion, has never had the same glide, closeness and feel of shavers having heavier weight. Carbon blades only work well with multi blade catridges. You can hear and feel the quality difference. Carbon steel always has that nosier scratchy resonnance.

This straight razor I would consider top of the line for low cost straight Razors. It came nicely packaged with a case and extremely sharp, I cleaned my forearms of hair like it was nothing. I have purchased many of the cheaper straight razors to see if I could find a great low cost razor that really a great value for the $$. I purchased one regular and one with the upgraded blade, I could not tell a big difference between the two blades, a conversation with the seller explained that the formulary of the upgraded blade would extend the time it holds its edge, if you do not know how to hone your blades then that extended life may have more value than it does for me as I love redoing the hone myself. I gave this a solid 5 star rating as I was comparing them to less expensive razors and not Dovos or Thiers Issards, etc. And for this category both regular and upgraded blades out performed against their completion. No regrets if you want a solid inexpensive straight razor, you have found the right one.

bought the one with the dark wood carved handle, It is Beautiful and solid and well put together. The blade was nearly sharp enough to shave. However, the spine had a slight bend in it and the grind didn't quite match, but I could work with that. I straightened the spine by rubbing it against wet 1,500 grit on a flat piece of walnut. This brought the angle from the spine to the edge more in tune. Then honed the edge with wet 1,500 grit at a slightly steeper angle. As the 1,500 grit wears down it ends up being around 5,000 grit making a very polished smooth edge. It is now a 5 star razor that I would buy again. I shave my face and head flawlessly now, but it took some work to get there. I really Love this blade now.

Unfortunately I got one that wouldn’t take an edge. Sending it back. Too bad it was one of the prettier gold dollar type razors. Metal was too soft and not hardened properly. As usual, no love put into this product as I’m sure the worker was paid squat.

It’s a good razor, but it’s clear the quality is not that of a more expensive razor. It’s not as sharp out of the box as I would like. I tried using a strop to keep the edge but personally I’d have to sharpen the blade using a stone or something to really get it to a point where I could reliably use it every day. I feel it tugging on my hairs versus truly cutting. It’s a close shave but I want more out of a shave. If I had a sharpening stone I’d be all for it. I’m going to keep it for later down the road:)

So I waited until after my hubby opened this for Christmas, to see what he thought, before I wrote this review. This is honestly a really nice straight razor. He has been wanting one for about a year and I looked at a TON before I decided on this one. It did not disappoint. It came well packaged in a nice tin. The wooden handle is nice and smooth. Opens nice and feels balanced when you hold it. Hubby was very impressed with the craftsmanship and was very pleased with this.

One of the best razors I have ever received from Amazon and I have ordered numerous this blade is high-quality definitely ready to shave out of the box and extremely Sharp I highly recommend this razor