My First Custom SR - S.K. Collings & Co (aka Proserpine Razor Co)

rbscebu said:
AT LAST!

Received today from Steve Colling in Proserpine, Australia.

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Custom made to my specifications. Blank used was the same as is used by Ralf Aust. Spanish point with pointy toe, 22mm wide blade, just under ⅞. Cost AUD 200 including shipping.

Steve claims it is shave ready. It tree-tops well so I will take it for a shave "as is" tomorrow morning.
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It looks elegant. Enjoy!
 
rbscebu said:
AT LAST!

Received today from Steve Colling in Proserpine, Australia.

full


full


full

​
Custom made to my specifications. Blank used was the same as is used by Ralf Aust. Spanish point with pointy toe, 22mm wide blade, just under ⅞. Cost AUD 200 including shipping.

Steve claims it is shave ready. It tree-tops well so I will take it for a shave "as is" tomorrow morning.
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Yay, congratulations (y) glad it finally arrived. :)

Looks lovely. Simple and elegant.
 
For this SR's first shave (as received), I prepared as normal and chose Palmolive regular cream (Italy) to provide the lather.

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I performed my usual three-pass shave; WTG, XTG + fool's pass and another XTG in the opposite direction. This resulted in my normal DFS+ result.

M y observations about this SR is that it is surprisingly light for its size. Maybe I was just use to my Gold Dollar W59 with the same style of point. Although the balance of this SR is towards the blade, I found its balance well suited to my shaving style.

Steve's shave-ready edge is very good. The shave was close and comfortable without any skin damage or irritation. A little more pressure was needed against the whiskers to cut the when doing the fool's pass. A full pasted balsa strop progression should fix that.

Overall I am delighted with my custom Colling straight razor. I might buy another, ⅝ American (square) point.

Now knowing Steve's quality of workmanship, he will get all my custom SR orders. I would place Steve's quality at about the same as Ralf Aust's in Germany. Steve is also a master at his craft.
 
rbscebu said:
Now knowing Steve's quality of workmanship, he will get all my custom SR orders. I would place Steve's quality at about the same as Ralf Aust's in Germany. Steve is also a master at his craft.
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High praise indeed :) (y)
 
Mistertaz said:
I’m surprised you would get another after your recent purchasing experience.
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I would because of the quality of his work and having learnt how to deal with his poor customer communication and service. What I have learnt is:
  • Expect to wait a few months before you will get your custom SR.
  • Do not pay in advance.
  • Only pay once the SR is finished and that payment must be through PayPal G&S.
  • If you don't get an active tracking number with 30 days after payment, make a claim for a refund through PayPal.
  • Any communication problems, just email his wife.
 
Mouette said:
I have given up waiting for my razor from Proserpine - not going to bother contacting them. Fortunately, I haven't paid a cent, the deal was done via email and no contract or anything, so I will just walk away and just forget about it.
cheers
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I don't blame you. I am now not even thinking about ordering another custom SR from Steve.
 
Mouette said:
I have given up waiting for my razor from Proserpine - not going to bother contacting them. Fortunately, I haven't paid a cent, the deal was done via email and no contract or anything, so I will just walk away and just forget about it.
cheers
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Maybe you should use @rbscebu ’s recommendation in reverse… get a Ralf Aust because it’s as good as a Collings!
 
Gargravarr said:
Ouch. :oops: Losing two customers so publicly is a bit messy.
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He's lost me as well, I was all set to order even though I have a dislike of ordering anything through FB but after all the hassles @rbscebu has had, I've changed my mind. It just doesn't seem worth the trouble.
 
If I were to buy a new modern razor I would buy from one of the Solingen makers (Wacker, Ralph Aust, Boker, Dovo,...). These razors are made by professional grinders who do this for a living and have been trained by other grinders.
 
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