- 5160 spring steel
- Anodized Titanium scales with jewelled interior
- Italian Paela wood overlays
- fileworked spine, shank, & tang
- Bullnose (half round), full hollow grind
I asked Frank to make an 8/8 size razor, as I prefer larger blades (lip loppers, meat choppers, etc.) He wrote back, "I can make you an 8/8 if you really want one. I just scale everything up a tad for that." Well let me state that this razor is really a large piece! Here are some of the dimensions:
- length (closed) = 7 3/16"
- length (open) = 11 3/16"
- blade (length) = 6 3/4"
- blade (edge) = 4 1/16"
- blade (width) = 8/8
- weight = 4.25 oz
Below are some comparison photos to convey the size. The razors pictured below are no less than 6/8 in width (cream/white scales) along with a Wacker 7/8. The razors at the top are a Filarmonica 15/16 and a Henckels Friodur 8/8!
I had a shave with it already, and it easily met my expectations! Frank has a his own method for honing and polishing his razor's edges. As you can see in the photos, the bevel is quite polished. This made for a very forgiving edge that cut very close without nicks or irritation. His grind, while being a full hollow style, is quite strong; it felt more like a quarter hollow razor with no flexing or "singing" at the edge. I think it is a gorgeous grind too. Note that he also has a taper to the scales -- they're not parallel all the way down. The balance is different with the metal scales, but I was able to adapt to it in the first shave. The shank design allowed me to adjust my grip to accomodate different strokes.
The final thing I want to mention is Frank's customer service. Frank was always friendly in e-mail correspondence with me. There was great conversation back and forth throughout the time the razor was being made. I liked the fact that I could be involved with the process -- customizing options (e.g., overlays, filework, finishes), asking questions about his maunfacturing methods, general shaving. Frank was also great in asssiting me after I made a poor choice in anodzing color (not what you see here); he worked with me and my inexperience in anodizing to achieve a complimentary hue for the Paela overlays.
I will enjoy having this razor in my collection!