My initials are MVW (perfectly jagged to qualify as a stand-in for jimps) -- a monogram I share with my son, who was born six months ago. I began working on this razor with Robert quite some time ago -- in fact, as soon as I knew my son was on his way, as the quintessential heirloom to pass down to someone I hadn't even met yet -- and who was still years away from his first shave. My wife is longing for the day when he takes his first step. Sure, I am too. But right now I'm just gearing up for that day when I say, "Son, it's time I taught you how to shave..."
Enough about my son. Let's talk about this razor.
This heirloom razor is a full 8/8 quarter hollow shoulderless grind in HCS. Inlaid with an 18K gold narhwal, high relief engraving of initials as jimps and bright engraving of original scrollwork on the spine. It is a modified Spanish Point with a slight smiling blade and 2.75" cutting edge. Scales are constructed from the horn of a narwhal.
The raw material Robert had to work with is extremely difficult: raw, rough, deeply porous. Only when you can see and feel this roughness can you begin to appreciate how much work went into preparing these scales to such a deeply beautiful polish, without losing the importance of those whorls.
And take a look at the hand-etching that is required before he could apply the gold. This is some detailed work here. The gold narwhal engraving even has shading. Also note the close-up of the scrollwork on the spine.
Now about the test spin... The one time I've ever had a shave anything like this was the first time I used my 7/8 Robert Williams razor in Hippo Ivory scales. The blade is big and heavy, but the chopper is balanced expertly with the scale materials. Combined, he has obtained an overall shave that is so warm to the touch and solid that every other razor I've ever used truly pales in comparison.
There's this quality in shaving with this razor that I can only describe as a magnetic attraction between blade and face. Some people like smaller blades, feeling they allow better maneuvering. But like an old American-built tank of a car made of steel, not plastic, there is an adhesion to the road that just radiates security and solidity. It's such a grounded shave, which is a trip when you consider the esoteric scale materials and all the fine engraving work. This razor grips my face and doesn't let go until nothing is left but smoothness and the memory of another great shave.
Thank you, Robert, from me -- and -- one day, from my son, the other MVW, the one to whom this one-of-a-kind heirloom already belongs.
Cheers,
Mark
Enough about my son. Let's talk about this razor.
This heirloom razor is a full 8/8 quarter hollow shoulderless grind in HCS. Inlaid with an 18K gold narhwal, high relief engraving of initials as jimps and bright engraving of original scrollwork on the spine. It is a modified Spanish Point with a slight smiling blade and 2.75" cutting edge. Scales are constructed from the horn of a narwhal.
The raw material Robert had to work with is extremely difficult: raw, rough, deeply porous. Only when you can see and feel this roughness can you begin to appreciate how much work went into preparing these scales to such a deeply beautiful polish, without losing the importance of those whorls.
And take a look at the hand-etching that is required before he could apply the gold. This is some detailed work here. The gold narwhal engraving even has shading. Also note the close-up of the scrollwork on the spine.
Now about the test spin... The one time I've ever had a shave anything like this was the first time I used my 7/8 Robert Williams razor in Hippo Ivory scales. The blade is big and heavy, but the chopper is balanced expertly with the scale materials. Combined, he has obtained an overall shave that is so warm to the touch and solid that every other razor I've ever used truly pales in comparison.
There's this quality in shaving with this razor that I can only describe as a magnetic attraction between blade and face. Some people like smaller blades, feeling they allow better maneuvering. But like an old American-built tank of a car made of steel, not plastic, there is an adhesion to the road that just radiates security and solidity. It's such a grounded shave, which is a trip when you consider the esoteric scale materials and all the fine engraving work. This razor grips my face and doesn't let go until nothing is left but smoothness and the memory of another great shave.
Thank you, Robert, from me -- and -- one day, from my son, the other MVW, the one to whom this one-of-a-kind heirloom already belongs.
Cheers,
Mark
