Stainless Steel Types, Confused?

Agree, slantman. I just sent the same email (adjusted to show only Ikon Razors as the named entity), so we'll see what he has to say. Stay tuned.

Quick reply from Ikon, as well. Here tis:
**************

Hello Roger:

     When time permits for us to machine some special edition iKon
razors we like using 316L stainless steel as it's properties are very
conducive to producing what many may call 'art razors' i.e. fully
functional safety razors but worthy of collecting.

316L is a very high grade of rust resistant stainless steel that
although very hard to machine polishes very nicely. If you are looking
for something of this nature the only thing even remotely close to the
attached images of some of our 316L machine work is a Canadian company
called Wolfman razors http://wolfmanrazors.com/ , their attention to
detail is impeccable and honestly there is absolutely nothing on the
market even close to what they are producing. We simply do not have
the required time for special runs currently and you may want to look
into that brand if a "machined" razor is something you would like to
gift to someone.

You will want to look at how the machining or cutting marks are
cleaned up on these types of razors as some 'machined razors' on offer
are a horror show left loaded with machine marks on all the exposed
component parts and that can easily cause pitting and rusting and use
much less lower grades of stainless steel that are cheaper and easier
to machine.

Alternatively we produce and focus currently on user friendly razors,
designed to be used for the task at hand and our diversity of designs
are unmatched so you may also consider iKon as a professionally
engineered and professionally manufactured safety razor product line.

If so here is a link to our worldwide authorized vendors.


http://ikonrazors.com/faqs/



Cheers,

- iKon Razors

Thanks beamon ,very informative , I was surprised at Ikon's reply it is very refreshing , not many companies would give such high praise to a competitor . I have several SS razors and love the look and feel of these heirloom pieces.

Glenn

Beamon, thanks for sharing this with us, its always interesting to get an insight into the mind of the craftsman.
Mark

Thanks beamon ,very  informative , I was surprised at Ikon's reply it is  very refreshing , not many companies would give such high praise to a competitor . I have several SS razors and love the look and feel of these heirloom pieces.

Glenn

Me too, Glenn. A sideways, off hand remark acknowledging James as a player in the field of very high end stainless razors would have been one thing, but to unabashedly name Wolfman as the "be all and end all" of high end stainless razors really bowled me over.

Beamon, thanks for sharing this with us, its always interesting to get an insight into the mind of the craftsman.
Mark

It is, isn't it? Having never been one to have anything more than average, at best, coordination with my hands and brain, I look upon craftsmen who can crank out complex and beautiful things with awe. The engraving, checkering and inlay work done on high grade shotguns has attracted me for years. The possession of examples of their efforts is our way of encouraging them to continue.

Great post! Was wondering why they selected the grades they selected. I'm fortunate enough to have one of each and love them both.

Thanks for doing this; the responses are a credit to all of the artisans you contacted. I have dealt with Stan at ATT and found him to excellent to deal with and the product is definitely first rate. By all accounts, the pieces James is producing are absolutely excellent, though I am afraid are priced beyond me at this point. I am also anxiously awaiting delivery of Shane's Blackbird, which should be en route in the next couple of weeks.

It's nice to see the rationale behind the choice of material. While my only experience to date has been with the ATT, I can say that my experience with both has been superb.

I've been interested in the emerging stainless steel trend with razors in the last few years. RE imported PILS to the USA 5 years ago and they've gained popularity ever since. One thing that we heard from customers right away was blade stains.

Even though they use 316L marine grade stainless steel, blade stains were still a problem if you left a blade inside the head. I've seen others like Feather and iKon use coatings (nickel teflon and DLC respectively) to try to prevent this.

Greg's answer I think was the best here - while a top material is awesome for a razor that is going to go in a collection case, the ability to handle water exposure / cheap steel blades / rust resistance has to be of great consideration.

I think the machining marks are certainly a sign of quality production, but they can only help to keep moisture on the razor surface.

I wonder how the owners of these razors deal with this? Removing the blade after every use? Towel dry afterwards? Is it even a problem that you experience?

Thanks,

I wonder how the owners of these razors deal with this? Removing the blade after every use? Towel dry afterwards? Is it even a problem that you experience?

Thanks,

I guess if you have stainless steel razors you might be OCD enough to blanch at the sight of "tea stains" on your precious ones, even though they are totally superficial. Since I've decided to have only restored vintage Gillettes and high end modern stainless steel razor from here on out, I'm practicing doing just what you wondered about.

I have yet to begin buying into the ATT, Feather and Wolfman razors, but when I do I will have already been treating my two vintage Gillettes thusly: After a quick rinse,, I disassemble the razor and press each component piece into the face towel on the sink. The towel wicks the remaining water from the component parts. I grasp the short end of the blade with thumb and forefinger and do a couple of strokes on the towel surface. Change to the other short end of the blade and do the strokes again.

The now dry razor can be reassembled and put in the cabinet either with the dry blade or without depending on whether the blade is to be retired or not. I've timed this procedure and it only takes ~45 seconds. Retar---, er retired as I am, I can spare the extra 45 seconds. I do have a built in advantage in living in southern AZ where rust is an unknown word. With a possible move to SC, I may have to use 60 seconds to assure a dry razor.

Me OCD? Nah!

Thanks Beamon. Great post. That is some great praise from Greg to James too. Well deserved as well!

I wonder how the owners of these razors deal with this? Removing the blade after every use? Towel dry afterwards? Is it even a problem that you experience?

Thanks,

I have always cleaned my razors after each use whether stainless, brass, plastic, or bakelite. The blade is removed and gently rinsed and dried, to be used for the next day's shave if it is still sharp enough. I then use a wet toothbrush with a drop of liquid soap and gently clean and rinse the razor, including the handle. It is then towel dried, reassembled, and put away until next time. Never any water spots or problems with rusting blades. Yes, it takes a couple of minutes more but it's worth it to me.