You Won't Believe How Straight This Razor Is

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Man of the Woods barbershop Big Sky: ...
Hawksnest custom ...
The best place to follow along with the day to day updates in the shop is through my instagram @Will_Stelter ( / will_stelte. . ​)
My PO Box for if you have any cool old tools, maps, or blueprints you’d like to see hanging on the walls (please don’t send just anything) is:
Will Stelter
PO Box 514
Manhattan, MT, 59741
Editing by the talented @isaiaharnoldfilm
lastandfirstproductions.com
Website www.willstelte...

[@WillStelterbladesmith]

Use code WILLSTELTER60 to get 60% OFF your first Factor box at bit.ly/3SiuYl7

[@darrell840]

Wow will that's such a beautiful handle design. God be with you my brother

[@realemonful]

If some kid called you a loof ball, would you think that would be OK? Therefore, you don't think the Lord knows what you are trying to say with your expressions such as dang?

[@TAYZER_]

@willstelter hey will I checked out your church, seems pretty cool and although I don’t believe everything the same it’s still cool that it’s important to you and it’s awesome to see it apart of your videos!

[@WillStelterbladesmith]

@@realemonful you’re a goof ball 😂

[@realemonful]

@@WillStelterbladesmith Why would you say that?

[@ScottRedstone]

Micarta is fun to work with. I’ve made my own for knife handles. So many options for color and texture. Nice blade.

[@funkyspacecow]

I loved the cut from grinding to showing the blade and your hand covered in red layout fluid! Really looked liked you and the razor were covered in blood for a second there! :-D Also just gorgeous work on the razor, one of the best pieces you've built on the channel. Hats off to Isiah as well on the videography on this episode, the close up work on some of the shots was spectacular.

[@daveb8598]

Agreed! Maybe he actually ran out of layout fluid so improvised with some 'red fluid' ;)

[@Curleysound]

I laughed hard at that cut too. unintentional or not, that was amazing!

[@jager2257]

aight im glad i wasnt the only one to think that

[@scottturcotte1860]

😂 I don't even shave and think that was so insanely cool I'd consider buying one!!!

[@jeremyt5399]

Amazing work sir!

[@robmacdonald7004]

Since razors are stropped frequently and sharpened as required, is the extreme wear resistance of the CruForgeV a good fit for this application? I understand it was developed as a forging steel, so to grind a blade out seems to be using it for all the wrong reasons.

[@WillStelterbladesmith]

Hey Rob, cruforgeV is an excellent steel for a razor, a razor is a high wear application, so the high level of wear resistance that CruV has is ideal, and it isn’t going to perform worse because this piece of steel wasn’t forged

[@Big_Dumb_Animal]

I've shaved with straights for years, you have to strop the blade after honing it up to a really high grit. My stones go to 12,000, then I have two strops to finish. If you skip the strops, it's extremely uncomfortable. Love seeing young smiths making such classic blades! Thanks!

[@knifethrower9733]

Nomatter how sharp I've made my straight cut razor's they can never cut my facial hair, but they shave my arms smooth 😂

[@virtusleather]

Leather strop with finest grit jewelers rouge might take it to insanity sharp levels.

[@SoSharpDavid]

@@knifethrower9733 the geometry could be wrong.

[@DylanRenke]

He did mention near the end that he stropped it after the wet stones.

[@viscache1]

I have the 12000 grit blue sand stone from the now closed Japanese underwater stone pits off the main island. But I always finish with a 36,000 grit diamond cream followed by a soft wheel with 60,000 diamond dust grit. I spend about 4 hours a week sharpening everything but I always love the way my sharpest razors come out.

[@wolflegion_]

The handle looks insanely good, not just the material but also the design. It’s a nice balance between knife and classical razor aesthetics.

[@BradGryphonn]

18:15 That razor is elegant yet masculine, and stunning in its simplicity. Thank you for the hard work you put in to create this thing of beauty. I am sure Kyle at 'Man Of The Woods' will give you constructive and inspirational feedback.

[@macdietz]

Youve really come a long way, man. Great razor, totally professional video edit. Kudos

[@dtroy15]

I was thinking the same thing! The production quality is awesome. I wish there were a little more music

[@MadMathMike]

I'm only 5 minutes in, but I gotta say that the cinematography and editing so far seems to have bumped up a notch! Really good stuff! 👍😊

[@dawiebyleveld6913]

Great work on the razor it looks mint. Love the videography and the old school "Boeremusiek" music in the background

[@tomjohns8498]

Just one thing DO NOT use red marking dye with out warning us, that was scary 😳

[@WillStelterbladesmith]

Just be glad Isaiah didn’t include the fake Injury we filmed using it 😂

[@CorwynGC]

@@WillStelterbladesmith Fake injuries can backfire, this video was great without it.

[@patw999]

15:40, what do I hear? One of my favorite Marty Robins songs from Gunfighter Ballads “El Paso” Will surprises me again, not only a sweet straight razor but cool music too!

[@elliottg5987]

I'm very pleased to see you revisiting this topic to produce a more usable shaver. When's the first-shave video?

[@BeN0lf]

what a beautiful thing man, I love that you revisited the straight razor so that you could improve on the geometry for better performance. Wish I could buy one! Btw I like how this video felt more calming than what I remember in the past.

[@dumdeedums8816]

This definitely is one of those videos that shows the high level of craftsmanship you have. I loved watching this.

[@gobokinje9183]

It's trippy seeing a surface grinder that uses a belt sander for the grinding surface. That's awesome.

[@frankierzucekjr]

The look you gave the camera at 14:23 lmao. Your not just a talented blacksmith, but a funny kid. I'm glad you're still doing videos bud, yt just wouldn't be the same without ya lol.. Can't wait to see what you make next, maybe something damascus?? This came out pretty darn awesome.

[@WillStelterbladesmith]

Definitely Something Damascus.

[@toddsmash]

I bought a straight razor for the first time a couple years ago. I never thought they'd be any good for me because i have dense, coarse beard. If I sneeze too hard after freshly shaving, I sprout 6 weeks of growth. To my surprise...hands down the best shave and razor ever. any cuts? heaps...but it just looks so bad ass when you shave with one. Even a cheap one like mine. It's like you know how much damage you could do with it. My son saw me shaving with it and straight away wanted to learn how to use one. I have one that you put feather blade refills into, but my wife bought me a vintage one like this for christmas. Just waiting to get a strop and i'm in business for never having to buy a razor EVER AGAIN! Great looking razor Will. That handle is sexy AF!

[@UncleManuel]

I honestly think Will did switch mid-video to red Dykem on purpose just to scare us... 😁😁😜😜😇😇

[@HooniganCG]

Damn these razors are insanely sharp. I found one belonging to my great grandpa once when cleaning an old storage room when i was little. As i was holding it it closed on my hand and cut straight to the bone between my thumb and index finger like it was nothing after decades of sitting in a box. I would like to one day muster up the courage and skill and use that blade for shaving.

[@Zogg1281]

Shaving with a nice sharp straight razor is the best shaving experience ever. Disposable razers are so wasteful to your pocket and, more importantly, the environment, a good straight razer will last ..... decades? I've been using mine for at least 4 years and it still looks and cuts like new, so I think I'll stick to decades. How long should I expect it to last?

[@marlobreding7402]

You've reminded me of a 23 year old me living in Santa Cruz CA and sharpening my 4" blade Uncle Henry to the point I could save with it. I freaked out my roommate as he passed the open bathroom door to find me with a knife at my throat. Good Times. It shaved pretty good especially after screwing a long piece of leather belt next to the sink for stropping.

[@james2canaryforge78]

I've restored and shave with str8s for 13 years and learned from some good websites dedicated to str8 razors and shaving in general.. Straightrazorpalace and Badgerandblade are two... I destroyed at least two razors before I got it in my head. Good luck.

[@billwoehl3051]

Marty Robbins? Didn't realize you even knew who he was, awesome singer!!!! Old El Paso was the song I heard a tiny clip of about 3/4 of the way through the video.

[@warriorson7979]

Bro... You have to pay more attention to the volume levels in your videos😑😒 The difference between the volume of you talking and the machinery/music is too big, it makes it impossible to hear you clearly and still not have the other sounds so loud that it's uncomfortable.😣

[@mfoust18]

I like the new approach of using the b-roll close ups with just the shop sounds in the background. A little voice over instead of the on screen text might bring up the video polish. Just my opinion, of course.

[@markbroadwith9601]

Red marking dye on a razor .....ummmmmmm looks a bit gruesome lol. Yet another great project from you Will.

[@stevenbiedrzycki7046]

I love the use of red dicam. I thought you had sliced a finger, bled all over the blade, and was just going on like nothing happened 😂

[@furryeliminator692]

why cant it be a gay razor

[@bobwallace5257]

Great looking razor Wil, now you just have to wait a month until you have enough hair to see if it works🤣

[@tonywitte8034]

Happy new year 🎉 to you and your family and friends and God bless you 🙏 all

[@RickSolid1]

It has an excellent reputation for being horrible to hand sand. Lol.

[@nunyabizness4354]

I love that Micarta. The blade is really cool, too. I'd love to see you make a technical folder, maybe an auto knife?

[@josephpedone2004]

A straight razor shave is definitely an art form and I only trust one person to do that. He’s currently 74 years young and teaching his grandson to take over the barber shop and business. I think I can trust him also… I’ll let you know

[@isaakestutzman3558]

You have an amazing amount of patience to sharpen on a whetstone to that perfect edge, Also love your choice of music!

[@puritan7473]

Wow, this is an awesome modern look on the old classic straight razor!

[@HavocHounds1988]

As always incredibly nice craftsmanship man, both you and Alec are so damn talented. Keep up the good work.

[@MrNiccholas]

Beautiful! Straight Razors fascinate me even though I've got a big beard and don't shave! If I did shave I would definitely use a straight razor! I use one to trim up the edges of my beard and thoroughly enjoy using it!

[@mkcosenzo5155]

you should try making a Kamisori style razor.

[@rowanschultz9516]

Well I would hope you wouldn’t make a gay razor

[@chadwood8466]

A truly enjoyable video. The factual presentation combined with your enthusiasm, humility, and showing the detail work makes this not just a learning experience, but an entertaining one as well.

[@dannyfeldman9504]

can you make a video about knife handle's

[@vernonjjf]

Will where you listening to some South African Boere Music (like our Country music)? Some of the tunes sounded very familiar. 😁

[@hardusbenade4945]

Dink Neels Van Den Berg moes vir hom klipwerf cd gegee het want dit was definetief boere musiek

[@SoSharpDavid]

There are tons of razors on instagram that probably could have inspired some design elements and showing what really is possible. Also Charlie Lewis has an excellent video where is actually forged the razor. Its a long video but a great watch

[@SilverloafGolf]

Agreed 😀👍

[@danc6167]

Wicked knife but that emerald green absolutely makes things pop. Has such a gorgeous vintage look

[@GregWhipple]

You do some great work. This is another truly impressive piece.

[@Joepoopsonu]

New editing style is 🤌🏼🤌🏼🤌🏼

[@UACowboy]

Beautiful job on that razor Will! Something to think about incorporating into future designs from a user standpoint is some jimping on the tang between the heel and scales. Makes for a much more secure grip while shaving with soap and water.

[@pks41805]

Son, are you old enough to shave? 🤣

[@BradGryphonn]

The more I see you and others making straight razors, the more I am tempted to find a good one. I grew up with the old 'safety razor' shavers and then morphed to the multi-blade types. I have been to barber shops and have had straight razor shaves and when they're quality, they are smoother than a high-quality 5-blade razor that I use nowadays.

[@ravencrovax]

I switched over to straight razors almost 3 years ago now and am so glad that I did. If you are looking for a quality razor at a reasonable price point, I would recommend anything from Ralf Aust. Even a $100 entry level 5/8 with plastic scales is good from him. That is the first good blade I got and I still use it on a weekly basis. Just keep it stropped and about once a month run it on a set of stones to keep the blade sharp and give the edge a mirror finish.

[@davidelliott8324]

Great work Will! Excellent character to go back with fresh understanding to conquer a challenge that bested you once before. Thanks for bringing us along.

[@timhvac6869]

This is my favorite thing you have made. I loved this straight razor.

[@morrelljw]

Such a beautiful build. Great work like always.

[@Smallathe]

Nicely done! What a lovely razor... :)

[@Stephen8601]

Me and razors just don't get along, and have to use an electric one. That said, I gotta admit you've done a pretty good job, and so I've really got to give it to you. Moreover, in the couple of years I've been following you on KZbin, and watched you work, you certainly have come a long way. And moreover, if you keep on going and improving at the rate that you are, it would not surprise me that in about 10 or 15 years you will be sought after (if not sooner).👍

[@Benjamin_Kraft]

That is one of the prettiest modern straight razors I've seen. It's clear you looked at classic designs and understood why they look the way they look, all too often craftsmen just make straight razor for the heck of it, and they look utterly unusable to anyone who actually uses straight razors. Well done! As for sharpening you'll see a lot of people giving their opinion. They're all good opinions I'd say, but it's also worth remembering that people have different requirements and tastes. Some may prefer the laser sharp, some might prefer it a bit less. Some have a light beard, some have a full beard out of steel bristles. For me, though I only occasionally use straight razors nowadays, it's sufficient to go up 8000 grit, finish up on a translucent arkansas stone, and then strop on linen and then leather. I should get a 12000 grit hone, and maybe also another strop that I can put diamond paste on, but my current setup works as well, so I've saved my money thus far. Since I have several knives and a light beard I only need to resharpen occasionally, maybe it helps also that most of my razors are vintage Swedish ones, I've hear that the quality of the steel is one of the best (if not the best) in razors out there so they hold their edge well.

[@__w__o__w__]

church mug big cringe

[@anthonystrunk5360]

Great job Will!

[@Glitchtheplanet]

I have a suggestion. How about a wood chisel?

[@karl_alan]

I second that. Would love to see

[@deanhanekom7531]

I miss you and Alec’s colabs!

[@grillingaddictionwithnick4982]

Your craft is amazing brother ! Always enjoy watching !

[@castleforge9512]

Will, I think you could bolt your broken power hammer together with some plate steel.

[@samuelwolfe]

Will making a razor is like a deaf composer. He'll never know the beauty of his own work lol....

[@bashkillszombies]

You are never getting an obtuse angle on a razor bro. Unless it's literally bar stock. Acute is under 90 degrees, obtuse is over 90 degrees (but less than 180 degrees). So unless the last razor you're referring to that had an obtuse angle on it was literally round stock idk how you defied the laws of physics. :P

[@radlercycles5482]

Very majestic razor! Been following you since your Steele days. (God I'm old) I was wondering if you ever considered making a hewing spear? I had a few sketches but I'm neither a blacksmith or a Bladesmith, just a lowly bike mechanic. Something with copper inlays and a black-hearted sassafras Heft... Regardless of what you work on, you have my full attention. Thanks for the awesome content

[@TheDevilWAH]

I remember first watching you will on alex's channel and thinking back then, it going to be fun watching this young lad thinking he is going to be a master of knives one day. It was clear you had passion, drive and a goal. Didn't take you long did it! And i love the shop, just full of tool with such history behind them. It must be amazing knowing where they might have been, what they might have been doing as you use them to craft your art. Thanks again for a great video!

[@jimcorbett3764]

8:21 the music starts-finally! I like straight razors, although they are kind o f a pain to use; but I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into making them. The beveling on the handle is pretty cool, and I love the sweeping lines; almost art deco. Great build!

[@mehros]

It was wonderful I really enjoy watching your videos

[@MidnightSmoke]

Many years ago I thought about getting and using a straight razor to shave with but I thought I would end up slicing my throat and I like living. Here is a like and comment to help your channel grow and get you the recognition you deserve.

[@cats_are_awesom]

This video was a 10/10 great, well edited, fitting music and great craftsmanship

[@ryang5160..]

Beautiful razor, good job will , looking forward to seeing your next project

[@h2energynow]

Like seeing how you explain your insights into how you make the blade truly a Will Stelter

[@maxseidel9749]

3:09 ^This is not accurate, please don’t confuse your geometry: Acute angle: An angle whose measure is less than 90° Obtuse angle: An angle whose measure is greater than 90° and less than 180°

[@HodgePodgeGarage]

Dang That razor is so straight, even the members of Westboro church could use it!

[@robsonsantosOSO]

18:08 Here the goal would not be to cut the nail but to press on it to see if the blade has the elasticity to bend and get back into alignment without breaking or deforming.

[@SimonettaCattaneo-d8m]

Beautiful masterpiece. Sorry guy how money for this luxury straight razor,.?

[@justinbanks2380]

Ahh, I've been wondering why Alec has been using red marking fluid now. It seems you stole his love Blue Dychem. Oh well, for the best. He's a married man now. 😂 Great project Will!

[@socalboomer]

you probably should NOT use RED dykum when working on a razor . . . LOL Stick with the blue!

[@BradGryphonn]

I just noticed that I was unsubscribed! Bugger! I've fixed that. I am sure I became a subscriber a few years back...

[@jameshaines789]

You got my subscription by what you said on your main website page… Saved by the Grace of God by what Jesus Christ did on the cross. That’s everything, without Christ there’s nothing, with Him anything He asks from us is everything. ❤️✝️❤️

[@BraxxJuventa]

Thanks Will. That Razor looks awesome indeed. Well done! 👍😁

[@rp2construction]

Videos like this make me wish I had my own forge!! Time to start saving!!! Lol

[@joshmajor8662]

Hellz yeah man!!! That’s a popping hair popper indeed 😎👍 haha 😂 micarta surprises me everytime I use it. Thanks Will

[@eladlutz]

I love and appreciate the craftsmanship as well as the NOT off- the- shelf life long durability that was once commonplace in America, so thank you for bringing back Americana at its finest. P.S. would love to purchase one...fyi

[@anonymousaccordionist3326]

15:40 Major props for listening to Marty Robbins while working. He is my absolute favourite country/western singer.

[@help8help]

I’m curious if your barber friend has recommended any improvements for your next straight razor?

[@patmancrowley8509]

Thanks, Wil, I now know how to sharpen a straight razor. I've used a "Barber" injector blade straight razor for years. I bought a steel one some years back but have never been able to get it sharp enough to shave with. Now I know! GOD Bless you, son, and your family.

[@AndyFromBeaverton]

I'm thinking. "make the handle a solid piece, please, please, please..." 11:52 Thank you! 13:50 And you rounded the inside slot to deter any splitting, Thanks some more!

[@viscache1]

I’m returning to the straight blade after 38 blade razors that shave off the bits of skin that aren’t in conformity with the rest of the face…(can we all identify with that weird grandpa bump that some men get?). I’m tired of the lady shave and am going back to the man shave…much to the chagrin of my lady…. BTW- Why are you even making a razor? You’re like 12 right?

[@blacksmith3958]

I love you'r work and it's an amazing razor but more grinding than forge......;)

[@c4dan]

I enjoy these straight razors. You did a great job. The milling looks like a lot of extra work: scales with a spacer would have made a simple design.

[@shay5025]

Lol, KZbin subtitles say "Foreign Music" when the jazz is playing. Maybe Will has a regional setting on his vids 😉

[@92boostedh22]

I don’t know of where you found a 10k stone but the progression up for me from 8k is a naniwa 12k, Dan’s surgical black Arkansas stone, green paste on canvas and 100 passes on a latigo strop. There are other progressions after 8k like coticles and jnats but they can get rare to find and when you do find them the stones can run over 500 bucks. Suffice to say straight razor honing is a whole different ballgame.

[@greggv8]

What became of the power hammer that fell over and broke? I know there are people who could put it back together and have it work perfectly. They're the sort who piece together the old WW2 airplane engines so many pulling tractors use. One such shop was High Speed Salvage. If you wanted to have a V16 made out of a pair of ordinary V8 engines they could do it and have it look like Ford or Chevy made it that way. Dunno if they're still around. Another way to fix it would be to cut the whole top off flat and make a new support structure to mount on with bolts and pins, and high strength epoxy to ensure there's no way the vibrations from hammering could work anything loose.

[@Tshizzle42o]

I am extremely interested in your surface grinder. I've never seen a setup like that

[@aledevans1992]

took me down a MASSIVE rabbit hole trying to find out about multiply church! hope your pastor thanks you for all the internet traffic you just sent his way!

[@OuroborosArmory]

Ok that green micarda is beautiful and I want some…

[@elementjoe]

Dude, you got all excited about the hand vise then didn’t show us….. Anyway, Nice work!