Review: Portland Razor Company’s Rescaling Service
(2020) The year 2020 has been infamous for its presence. While the headlines pile up, one of our favorite wet shave companies added a few of their own headlines, most of them highly stressful. We decided to send some extra business their way, as you should. Small businesses are the pulse of the community. Portland Razor Company has seen quite the heart rate this year.
Portland, Oregon, has been in the news cycle regularly. Meanwhile, a little razor/ barber shop had to come to terms with this year early. Portland was one of the first cities to quarantine for the Covid pandemic. This shut down the shop at roughly the same time another headline happened: the shop was robbed. Someone made off with approximately $16,000-worth of items and cash. Razors sent in for honing were not spared. While the pandemic gained steam, Portland Razor Company was juggling quarantine and legal fees. Hunter Lea, one of the owners of PRC had his motorcycle stolen at roughly the same time. It was returned quickly, but the experiences kept adding on.
With work-from-home orders issued, Portland Razor Company moved back to their old digs. Razors were made in garages. Honing services were located back in living rooms. They still operate there as of today. And while WFH was followed, Portland erupted into protests. The city’s protests escalated from peaceful gatherings to federal troop occupation. As soon as the federal troops vaporized, the surrounding countryside burst into flames from forest fires. Portland Razor Company was filling orders during the day and standing up for the city during the night.
With full confidence in their abilities, we sent out two razors. To prove our confidence further, we sent out our beloved PRC custom Cascade razor, knowing they would take care of it. We also sent out a hollow ground razor to get a face lift. We had our designs set on their whiskey stave scales, and now was the time to place the order. We boxed them up with alacrity and partial concern - we were worried for the safety of the team at Portland Razor when we saw the city on the nightly news.
To have as many setbacks as PRC has to date, it is amazing how well they continue to deliver quality. Our beloved custom razor was returned and honed to the sharpest it has ever been, if that is possible. Then came the peek at the JR Torrey hollow ground wrapped in its felt sheath.
What we held was a true piece of wet shaving art. The golden tint of whiskey barrel staves hugged the blade smartly. A quick flick of the razor’s tail gave a satisfying view of the polished and rehoned blade. A razor that had been stowed away for three years was now back on the rack, ready for use. Clicking the blade back into the scales and the char detail took center stage. By both pins the staves took on a subtle black staining. And the scent it gave off was enticing. Of course we set to shaving with it directly.
This could be an article about the quality honing service. It could be an article about Portland Razor Company’s remarkable skill in crafting razors and scales. It could be a small insight into one business’s struggle during difficult times. What it should conclude is communities need artisanal businesses like PRC to be propped up, especially at a time like this. Take a look around their site, place a custom order for the 2021 season, or simply gift someone a voucher. Every site glance helps. We can say the city of Portland has seen more than its share of stressors for the year. It’s time for us to help them out. Their work is incredible.
