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cblalock
08-24-2006, 07:38 AM
I just turned a friend of mine on to wetshaving with a DE courtesy of the travel razor I purchased from Goosemeplease (great razor/package btw. thanks). I gifted him the razor and he loves it, but wants to make a longer handle for it.

He owns/runs a machine shop with CNC equipment and can do just about any design out there within reason. He's thinking he'd like to have the small travel handle for travelling (duh) but also a longer handle for daily use at home. While we were talking about it this morning (anyone else feel silly sometimes chatting about shaving techniques at length outside of this board?), I thought that some of you fellas might like the option of a replacement handle for some of the older razors out there to save some wear and tear on the threads of the vintage gear. Or maybe something to spice up the old razors.

So after much ado, is there a market/interest in custom/replacement handles or do you guys just buy a whole new razor and be done with it?
moses
08-24-2006, 10:43 AM
I would be interested. I think it might be really fun to have some different handle options for some of the old three-piece gillette heads. Not that I don't love the old handles, for the most part, but variety is great. And I would like to try one with a longer handle.
Jim
08-24-2006, 11:13 AM
I have interest and some ideas also COUNT ME IN!:biggrin:
cblalock
08-25-2006, 06:13 AM
I have interest and some ideas also COUNT ME IN!:biggrin:

What are your ideas? Any pics to give him to reference? He did a VERY rough mockup of a futur handle last night by hand that came out pretty nice for just using files and such on a manual lathe. Looking forward to seeing what it looks like on the CNC machine.
BigDawgBarkin
08-25-2006, 06:34 AM
I would be interested! Maybe a Edwin Jagger Chatsworth style/length handle for my patent 1912 Gems!
Jim
08-25-2006, 06:47 AM
What are your ideas? Any pics to give him to reference? He did a VERY rough mockup of a futur handle last night by hand that came out pretty nice for just using files and such on a manual lathe. Looking forward to seeing what it looks like on the CNC machine.

Using imitation ivory that can be machined on a lathe to make handles for the threaded razors- same material to make brush handles- some of the Jagger styles are nice -are you ready to go or is this in the planning stage?
Sam
08-25-2006, 07:43 AM
Im with Jim. A replacement handle for a slant bar or HD, like the Edwin Jaeggers, would be nice.
Dinder1
08-25-2006, 08:04 AM
SLANT BAR.......YES..YES....YES :jump:
Cheers, DJ.
Suzuki
08-25-2006, 08:27 AM
If the cost is reasonable I'd be interested.

I suspect if we could get a bunch of people to commit to:

1) the type of razor we want re-handled (i.e., slant/HD or classic-style heads);

2) handle shape; and

3) handle material.

We might be able to get a limited production run that allows us to get reasonable price per handle and a earn reasonable profit margin for the manufacturer.

The Edwin Jagger handles in the imitation ivory or similar material would likely get a reasonable number of takers.

Here is a link to some pictures:

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany.co.uk/cgi-bin/psProdSrch.cgi/@cTraditional%20Safety%20Razors@bEdwin%20Jagger
Dinder1
08-25-2006, 08:34 AM
How about a matching brush handle that could be bristled by Shavemac:thumbup1: Just a thought.
Cheers, DJ.
kozulich
08-25-2006, 10:36 AM
I'd be interested in a classic DE with jagger style handle

Orest
guenron
08-25-2006, 10:44 AM
Somebody wake me up please!:sleep: It's been so long since I used my slant bar, but isn't the base of the razor head joined to the handle or am I thinking of something else?:huh:
DoubleE
08-25-2006, 11:02 AM
Somebody wake me up please!:sleep: It's been so long since I used my slant bar, but isn't the base of the razor head joined to the handle or am I thinking of something else?:huh:

You are correct my good man!! I raised an eyebrow on that one as well. The handle on the slant and HD are why I no longer own either!
cblalock
08-25-2006, 12:05 PM
Using imitation ivory that can be machined on a lathe to make handles for the threaded razors- same material to make brush handles- some of the Jagger styles are nice -are you ready to go or is this in the planning stage?

This is still planning stage. I think he can be up and ready to go fairly soon if there is a consensus on design. I'll check with him on materials, I know his initial plan was to do it out of stainless. I'm not sure if he's ever done any plastic work or not. I'll get back to you guys ASAP with more details.
tryphon
08-25-2006, 12:28 PM
Actually, with a CMC machine shop he could manufacture the complete razor.
Maybe a new adjustable, made in the USA? With thick gold plating and none of the protective varnish stuff?
I, for one, would be interested....
cblalock
08-25-2006, 01:03 PM
Actually, with a CMC machine shop he could manufacture the complete razor.
Maybe a new adjustable, made in the USA? With thick gold plating and none of the protective varnish stuff?
I, for one, would be interested....

I asked him about this the other day, fabricating the whole razor and he's just not set up for the stamping and all of the parts. He's a small one man shop, but does a lot of work for the prop replica community so his work is really solid.

I told him to register here so he can field your questions directly rather than me playing middle man and I think he will over the weekend or early next week.

He is capable of doing plastics, but needs to find a source for imitation ivory. What kind of ballpark are you guys thinking price-wise before we get too deep into this. He's not looking to get rich of this project, but it does need to be financially feasible.
birchhook
08-26-2006, 04:24 AM
I have a Merkur travel razor as well. I would be very interested in a heavier handle, but only if it's cheaper than just buying a HD ($28 from QED).

Can someone take a pic of a disassembled Classic vs. a HD?
guenron
08-26-2006, 04:48 AM
I have a Merkur travel razor as well. I would be very interested in a heavier handle, but only if it's cheaper than just buying a HD ($28 from QED).

Can someone take a pic of a disassembled Classic vs. a HD?
Would a disassembled LH Classic and Slant Bar be adequate for your needs?
Chagidiel
08-26-2006, 04:51 AM
YES!! Interest is existing.. To my knowledge (for what its worth :rolleyes: ) it seems like the threading is the same on both old DEs and for example the GEM/EverReady... Correct me if I am wrong... It would be REAL nice to have som new, longer handles to replace some of the old ones.. But I guess that the price needs to be just right.. We are after all quite fond of our old ones - or ??

But as for interest, count me in