[kmag]

Hello to all,
I just received a 6/8 razor from Josh Earl. It has an etched blade that I believe came out beautiful,a Spanish point and Paduak scales. I would post pictures but I don't have the know-how or a digital camera. Perhaps if Josh reads this he can post a few for the razor is lovely.
As for the shave I was greatly impressed. This is the first custom I have received and if this is what is to be expected it won't be the last. The razor is balanced perfectly. Between the the length and the long tang I found it very nimble. I have a large Wade and Butcher but aside from that I prefer a narrower razor and this fits the bill. The blade is quite stiff and I found that after my first pass all I needed was a little touch-up to finish.
A rarity to me in almost fourty years of of using a straight razor.
I would recommend it highly to anyone. The price can't be beat and the razor has a very no frills attitude I find irresistable. Quite a find!
Kurt

[thebigspendur]

Sounds neat but tell us more. What kind of grind does it have? What kind of finish is on the blade? Any kind of custom engraving on the razor anywhere? Inquiring minds want to know.

[kmag]

The blade appears to my eyes to be about a half hollow grind. It shaves more like a wedge to me, very stiff and great control. The blade has an etched surface very similar to the blades Josh has been doing lately. It has his name engraved in it as his signature and U.S.A. under that.
Very understated. Closes perfectly and has an adjustable pin for the blade. The natural wood with the horn spacer completes this very simple, and appealing package. No fantasy design here. By the way did I say how well it shaves? With ebay prices hitting the ceiling lately I can't imagine not pursuing the option of buying one of a kind razors.
Josh explained to me that he is not doing customs but selling his razors as they become available. I do feel lucky to get one.
Kurt

[RalphS]

Way to go to both Josh and Kmag!

[izlat]

Glad for you both - and do get photos!

40 yrs using a straight - wow

edit: I had a question but realized I had misunderstood "touch-up" - too early LOL

Cheers
Ivo

[JoshEarl]

Kurt,

I'm so glad you liked it. I was really happy with this one, especially considering it was my first that was forged to shape and not just ground out of bar stock. From now on all my blades will be forged; I get more satisfaction out of the forging process, and it means less grinding dust all over my garage/shop.

I posted a photo earlier, but here are a couple more....

Josh

[crichton]

Congrats Kurt! I love the 8/8 Spike that I bought from Josh a couple weeks back....it's such a sweet razor! If any of you guys are thinking of customs, I can't recommend Josh highly enough - you'll love it!!

(And if you don't, I'll buy it from you! LOL!)

[Garry]

Lovely Razor Kurt .... thanks for sharing ..

Josh what can I say ..... awesome work , I want one

Oh dear RAD alert ..

Garry

[netsurfr]

Very nice razor...

[Tfaust]

Wow that is gorgeous. Love the scales and the blade.

[randydance062449]

Nice, very nice work!

[sebell]

Wow! This is obviously a natural talent of yours Josh, I can't believe
you're forging and making razors like that.

Well done.

- Scott

[xman]

Jammin' razor!

X

[Jfala]

Awesome Josh, just awesome!

[English]

Well done Josh, clearly a man of many talents. It can take years to master the skill you have so ably demonstrated. You clearly get a lot of satisfaction from mastering those skills.

[netsurfr]

Beautiful job!!!

[Detach]

wow! that is absolutely beautiful! The etching is amazing. It looks like an old map! (meant in the most flattering way) Very nice!

[Utopian]

That is a very unique and beautiful blade! Nicely done and nicely bought!

[Lt.Arclight]

What a work of art!A beautiful blade,that MUST be a good shaver to get a compliment from a well skilled user. Thanks for sharing.

[bpave777]

That razor is beautiful. Congrats! Great to hear it shaves as great as it looks.