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The History of Yasugi Steel (安来鋼)
The roots of Yasugi steel go back centuries to the Tatara smelting tradition of the Chūgoku region (western Honshū). The Yasugi area in Shimane Prefecture was an important center for producing tamahagane, the traditional steel used for swords, woodworking tools, and specialized cutlery. Tatara steelmaking used iron sand (“satetsu”) and charcoal to create pure, high-carbon steel. This long tradition established Yasugi’s reputation for high-quality metalworking.

Max Sprecher
Nov 19, 20253 min read


The pursuit of your first Custom Straight Razor
When it is time to upgrade and embark on the journey of purchasing your first custom straight razor, there are several factors to consider. The primary objective will be your budget and the amount you are prepared to allocate towards this endeavor. Upgrades such as file work, intricate scales, engraving, and other embellishments do not enhance the quality of a shave but serve as mere luxuries and aesthetic features. The most crucial factors in achieving an optimal shave are

Max Sprecher
Oct 22, 20252 min read


Scam Alert: E-Bay!
I have been informed of several eBay sellers attempting to offer and sell some of my razors. Not only did they steal my photographs without my permission, but they blatantly copied the exact listing I have posted on my website. They even went so far as to provide the razors with different maker names. Although it is frustrating, it is beyond my ability to have it taken down. Despite multiple notifications from various individuals, eBay has yet to respond, indicating a lack of

Max Sprecher
Oct 19, 20252 min read


Favorite DE razors
Wolfman Ti OC 0.67 / 0.74 / 0.74 / LASCC BBS-1 In addition to straight razors, I have been frequently inquired about my preferred DE razors and blades. Blackbird, Blutt Rasur I thoroughly enjoy the entire wet shaving ritual and frequently experiment with various shaving tools, excluding the electric shaver. My primary shaving tools include straight razors, double-edge razors, and single-edge razors. Individuals vary in their preferences regarding the most effective method

Max Sprecher
Jul 23, 20251 min read


GPSR (General Product Safety Regulation)
The new GPSR regulation has become effective in Europe on December 13, 2024. This new legislation is intended for individuals or companies engaged in business transactions with or within the European Union. The GPSR requires that all consumer products on the EU markets are safe and it establishes specific obligations for businesses to ensure it. Sellers are compelled to engage in hiring or establishing a European-based economic operator, basically a local EU authorized com

Max Sprecher
Dec 6, 20246 min read


Straight Razor Maintenance
Most of the best available razors are made of carbon steel and if not cared for properly will rust. One can use gun oil, camelia oil or...

Max Sprecher
Sep 24, 20221 min read


The Shaving Essentials
I have been asked several times what strop should I buy, which shaving soap or cream performs well and what's a good shaving brush. With...

Max Sprecher
Jan 22, 20222 min read


Boker Schildpatt 2.0
Boker 'Schildpatt 2.0', 7/8, extra full hollow, straight end with spike point, faux tortoise scales and silver nickel Boker inlay. Made in G

Max Sprecher
Aug 25, 20211 min read


Boker 'Graf Everhard'
Boker Graf Everhard, 11/16, full hollow, round point, Graf Everhard gold-wash, carbon steel razor with horn scales. Made in Germany.

Max Sprecher
Aug 25, 20211 min read


Boker 'Schwarzgold'
Boker Schwarzgold, 7/8 blade coated 24K gold with Ruthenium, straight end, carbon steel razor with dark bog oak scales. Made in Germany.

Max Sprecher
Aug 25, 20212 min read


'Sē'bŭm Gold' - The Gold Standard
For those that are not familiar with Sē'bŭm Gold , they offer a luxury palm free & nickel free soap and a balanced epidermal...

Max Sprecher
Sep 19, 20202 min read


Boker The Celebrated Curly Binch
Boker The Celebrated Curly Birch Boker must have been watching my work because they finally came out with a midi razor which I have been offering for years. It's called the 'The Celebrated 'Maserbirke' translated in English 'Curly Birch'. The edge measures 2.5" which is the equivalent of my 'midi razors'. In full disclosure I was inspired by Dubl Duck Special Nº1 which has been around much longer than most of us. I measured the razor to be 7/8. It has a beveled spine and com

Max Sprecher
Sep 27, 20192 min read


Boker Elite Carbon SE
Boker Elite Carbon SE Tradition meets the modern age. At the end of the 19th century, especially extravagant straight razors were sold under the brand 'Boker Elite'. Boker continues this tradition with this exceptional line of straight razors. The handle scales of these impressive models are CNC-milled from a block of the high tech material carbon fiber, and the massive 6/8" blade features and beveled spine with notches. There are 2 Elite version razors with carbon fiber avai

Max Sprecher
Oct 24, 20182 min read


Boker Premium Selection - Tortoise Shell
Boker Premium Selection - Tortoise Shell This is one of two straight razors from the Boker Premium Selection. The elaborately worked handles, made from either mother of pearl or faux tortoise shell are milled from the full material in the Boker manufactory in Solingen, and look deceptively similar to the authentic natural materials. The nickel silver inlays further underline the elaborate production and refinement of the handles and blades. The predecessor of this popular Bok

Max Sprecher
Oct 13, 20182 min read


The return of the barber and the real wet shave
Whether in New York, Chicago, San Francisco, Portland or Los Angeles, you can find them once again. The hairdressers who specialize in cutting and shaping men's beards and hair. Most barber shops have a special look, which is typical for our times, and has never before existed in this new form. It is a special mix of style elements for the 1920's to the 1960's, paired with large tattoos, beards, cuffed jeans, and tweed vests. The technical level is usually top notch and you c

Max Sprecher
Jun 3, 20182 min read


The History Of Shaving
Old West Barber Straight Shaving We will never know the exact stage in man's evolution when he first observed his own reflection in some still pool of clear water. We suspect that, then and there, he must have decided he did not care for the dreadful appearance caused by the heavy growth of hair on his face. Ridding himself of the hair must not have been a difficult decision to make. Anthropologist inform us that in the prehistory past, before even a trace of recorded civiliz

Max Sprecher
May 27, 20183 min read


Dovo 'Forestal' Straight Razor
Dovo 'Forestal' Straight Razor The Dovo Forestal is a 5/8", half round, hollow blade, hand crafted of high carbon steel in Solingen Germany. The razor is offered with genuine cocobolo wooden scales and comes with a 24k gold etching on the hollow grind and spine. Jimps are present on both top and bottom. Pinning is a fixed flush finished design that's slick looking. Like most Dovo razors that are sold as 5/8, I measured the width to be 11/16 which is always a nice bonus. I do

Max Sprecher
Feb 20, 20182 min read


Dovo 'Col. Ichabod Conk' Straight Razor
Dovo 'Col. Ichabod Conk' Straight Razor The Dovo Col. Ichabod Conk is a 6/8", half round, half hollow blade, hand crafted of carbon steel in Solingen Germany. The razor is offered with black glossy acrylic scales and comes with a 'Col. Ichabod Conk' etching on the hollow grind. Although the razor is advertised and sold as 6/8, I measured some to be nearly 7/8 while most actually measure 13/16 which is always a nice bonus. Dovo teamed up with Colonel Ichabod Conk who are world

Max Sprecher
Feb 16, 20181 min read


Dovo 'Astrale' Straight Razor
Dovo 'Astrale' Straight Razor The Dovo Astrale is a 5/8", half round, hollow blade, hand crafted of high carbon steel in Solingen Germany. The razor is offered with genuine black ebony wooden scales and comes with a 24k gold etching on the hollow grind. A blank engraving plate on the wooden scales adds a nice touch. Like most Dovo razors that are sold as 5/8, I measured the width to be 11/16 which is always a nice bonus. At times I find the fit and finish somewhat lacking and

Max Sprecher
Jan 21, 20182 min read


Dovo 'Diamant' Straight Razor
Dovo 'Diamant' Straight Razor The Dovo Diamant is a 5/8", half round, stiff hollow blade, hand crafted of high carbon steel in Solingen Germany. The razor is available in olive or African white ebony wooden scales and comes with a glossy jet black enameled coating. I measured the width to be 11/16 which is always a nice bonus. Diamant is the German, Dutch and Flemish translation for Diamond. It features a clean 24k gold etching on the tang and hollow grind. Comes in a blue me

Max Sprecher
Jan 14, 20181 min read
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