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Lewis Hybrid Non-folding Razor
Constant shaver,
To begin, I will say that while reviewing a custom or bench custom (think: in stock custom rather than a custom you specify) it is tempting to allow yourself to be blinded by RAD lust and give the blade all 10's. Such reviews are useless at best and meaningless no matter what. (EDIT: This is not to say that there aren't blades that deserve all 10's, just that to give a review without justifying these results is counter to the review process. Personally, I am a tough critic and rarely give 10's but that is just me.) I have spent a lot of time with this razor and I offer you a true review to the best of my ability. That being said, please, if you own one of these, submit your own ratings below mine and keep this review true!
There are many MANY different razors in the world. If you include new made custom or bench custom razors in that list, the possibilities are endless considering grind, shape, size, file work, scales, and decorative touches. To sit down and wade through this dense landscape of choices when faced with a blank slate is an incredible process that yields a very personal result. This blade is a perfect example of that process and what a craftsman-artist's vision looks like in reality.
Craftsmanship:
The craftsmanship begins not with the metal work, but in wood.
This small flat box has semi-hidden barrel hinges and is seemingly simply. Until you open it.
Once opened, you are treated to several details that make the box an integral part of this shaving experience. Small felt dots insure that the edge remains floating for protection and the CNC or Laser cut interior holds the razor securely in place. The box is nice and necessary for such a blade and Lewis has not let his attention to detail waver when considering its design.
The razor is a hair under 6" in overall length with a blade length of 2 1/8" and a width of 7/8". The grind is somewhere between half and 3/4 hollow (to me), resulting in a hefty seeming blade.
The Grind
The striking thing about this razor is the seemingly forged finish on the handle which not only improves grip but also seems to evoke the idea that this razor was born from fire and steel. Truthfully, it has been acid etched and the blade hasn't been forged. Never the less, it feels like a celebration of the materials to me and, functionally, it makes complete sense. The satin finish and visible, even, grind-lines complete this look.
The blade itself has a wry smile (or "rye" if you know Lewis ).
Detail of the handle:
Enough looking, let's talk tactile!
Balance:
This razor is balanced at the finger notch. That ends up being pretty close to the blade, but balance doesn't seem to be all that relevant in this case. The handle and gracefully concave neck want to be held, pure and simple. Though it is heavier, this tool is extremely nimble and handles like a precision instrument. No matter how you hold it, your fingers seem to find purchase as though you are holding it the only way it is meant to be held. This feature continues to be the defining characteristic of Lewis's work to me, as every Lewis razor I have held to date just plain feels wonderful.
Holding the razor, the grin factor is revealed.
Both stropping and honing holds feel natural. The blade rotates easily under both circumstances.
Collectability:
Again, who can say? They aren't rare as the maker is still alive (thankfully so!) but there won't ever be the supply in which mass produced razors exist. This is simply a premium item. As I have said about Lewis's work in the past: Once people start holding them, these blades will be hard to get!
Price:
Not as bad as some bench customs out there, but that is of no consequence really. This razor is worth the cost. It has made me smile when I pick it up everytime.
The Maker's mark on the spine.
Overall:
Embracing a design aspect of Japanese straights and marrying it with old-world style, Lewis has re-imagined the shaving tool into something simple. By stripping away scales, jimps, and file-work and replacing these things with
well thought out shape, natural texture, and a stunning tactile experience Lewis has once again proved that he is making razors to fill his passion for design and shaving. The blade holds a wonderful edge and shaves with the best of them as any custom or artisan-made bench custom should. The nimbleness and ergonomics elevate the shaving experience and I think you will find that the fun begins even before you take the first stroke on your first pass.
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Originally Posted by pcdad
