The Bundu Whackers are a new range of razors that are meant to fill a void in the market, and as with many new product lines, cost to customer was the biggest criteria. Our main aim is to collaborate with Andre from Grobler Cutlery to produce a handmade razor for around 2k. Off course we had to limit the time spent on fit and finish, but believe us when we say these razors are going to find regular use from novice and experienced shavers alike because they shave well and are very comfortable in hand. Despite the limitations we had on allowable input costs of these razors, the coolness factor was certainly not lost, these are some damn pretty creations and I personally prefer them over most vintage razors I have used, and also many of the new razors from larger manufacturers. They are all one-offs, and not only by variations of scales either, all blades are hand cut and shaped.
This blade is made of O1 tool steel, it has been tempered and hardened to 61-63 RC, mostly to the higher end of the two perimeters. We call this one the Kalahari cutthroat as it has scales that are made from the tip of an Oryx's horn, and the blade is blackened to suit the sinister desert scorpion's dart at the front end of this razor, this one will sting if you don't treat it with respect! The razor weighs a chunky 82 grams, as the scales are quite thick, and also the blade itself. The spine is 5.5 mm thick and the blade has a height of 22 mm, or around 7/8 inches. The cutting edge is around 67 mm long.
The feedback from these razors is mostly quite good, a couple of factors such as grind type, the thickness of the blade, blade shape and blade size are some of the factors that will increase or lessen the audible feedback from cutting your beard. If you are new to straight razor shaving please note that feedback from a blade is NOT to be interpreted as a blunt blade, many first timers may think so, or may even be intimidated by the sound of hair getting slashed, but one learns to appreciate it fairly quickly. Razor feedback adds an additional dimension (hearing/sound) that will provide valuable information as you get to know your razor. One such advantage is to be able to identify where the razor keeps on running over freshly cut stubble without it seeming to cut all of it , this is a clear indication that you need to change the direction of your shave (or stretch your skin) if you want to get a very smooth shave, in all likeliness your hair is growing in directions where going across or against it is required to get smooth as a cue ball.