Joe Chandler Damascus Frenchpoint

Lt.Arclight · 09-19-2008, 04:38 PM

I just received this razor on Wednesday of this week. Promptly shipped from Straight Razor Designs. It was an "in stock" custom that I immediately wanted when I saw the photos. Price was $575.00

This is my second custom razor from Joe Chandler. He has once again proved his mastery of his craft. Although a large razor,my first impression was how well balanced it was and surprisingly light. The Damascus blade is mesmerizing.The spine is filed in a rope pattern and is gorgeous. The Snakewood scales are perfectly finished. The tension between the blade and scales is adjustable. The extended tang fits my hand perfectly. Literally,within minutes of opening the box-I was in the shower,prepping for its use.

After 15 laps on linen and 50 laps on leather, I lathered up and went to work. The length of the tang does require a slight change in technique.I find it allows a bit more visibility when looking in the mirror-since your hand is positioned farther from the edge. The first shave (WTG-my usual daily routine) was good. But, not great. I felt the edge wasn't quite how I like it. Overall, I loved the way the razor handled.

The next day, I simply touched up the blade on my 8K and 16K Shapton glass hones,followed by 10 trips on my short balsa paddle strop loaded with .5 micron Amplex diamond paste.

Today, I decided to give it another chance. After 15 strokes on linen and 50 strokes on leather the edge was INCREDIBLY SHARP. The shave was absolutely PERFECT (except a minor bloodletting,on my right earlobe-that resulted from my inexperience with the frenchpoint and lapse of concentration

) WTG, was absolutely BBS-with no discomfort whatsover-truly a velvet squeegy. The stubble literally wiped off my face.

I give this razor a solid 10 out of 10 on value.$575 is IMO a bargain for a Damascus razor with this level of craftsmanship. I rate the handling a 9/10, I love this blade/tang combination. I give the performance a 9.25/10. The way this blade responded to minor honing as well as the feedback it gave when on the hone was exemplary.

I would NOT recommend this razor to a new str8 shaver just because of its sheer size and the change in technique it would take as compared to a 5/8 Dovo for instance.

For the experienced user this is one beautiful addition to anyones rotation. No buyers remorse whatsoever. THIS IS A KEEPER .

iron maiden · 09-19-2008, 06:15 PM

You area lucky man indeed...what a beautiful razor.

netsurfr · 09-19-2008, 06:28 PM

Stunning razor!
Congratulation on a fabulous acquisition!!!

xChris · 09-19-2008, 07:50 PM

Very nice! Joe's designs are pretty cool too. It looks like you have the same damascus, as I do in my Joe C. custom. It is from Mike Blue, and made of 1095 & 15N20.