Thread: What is your opinion on all the dorko blades

There have been someone posting some new old stock dorko blades on ebay...any comments?

7 Dorko 444 Straight Razor Blanks Solingen Germany | eBay
12 Dorko 444 Straight Razor Blanks Solingen Germany | eBay

Stingray

They are described as blanks, doesn't that mean that they've never been finished or made into a razor? Might take a bit of vigorous bevel setting.

I'd be interested if I didn't already have a few un-scaled blades to keep me busy.

Originally Posted by Matt69

They are described as blanks, doesn't that mean that they've never been finished or made into a razor? Might take a bit of vigorous bevel setting.

I'd be interested if I didn't already have a few un-scaled blades to keep me busy.

I'm wondering why they weren't scaled? I was also wondering if they have been heat treated?

I don't know...that's why I am asking
Stingray

I have seen those auctions. The nicer ones are listed as singles, but pictures with others to give the impression you are buying more than one at a time. The ones listed in mulitples often have "blemishes" which will certainly still be visible without LOTS of work (if even removeable)
The scales occasionally offered show some corrosion of the brass inlay, which could mean cell rot has begun. I would certainly bid on them, but I would set my pricing accordingly!
On another note, that guy has had some AMAZING blades show up for sale!

Well...I bought 12 of them and they are interesting to say the least.
I am going to start out cleaning them up and then go to the hones...these things are blunt...like a bread knife. Will keep you posted on my progress.
If anyone wants some of them just email me and we will talk about it, otherwise you might see some on ebay in finished condition. They are going to be a challenge to finish.
Stingray

Originally Posted by stingray

Well...I bought 12 of them and they are interesting to say the least.
I am going to start out cleaning them up and then go to the hones...these things are blunt...like a bread knife. Will keep you posted on my progress.
If anyone wants some of them just email me and we will talk about it, otherwise you might see some on ebay in finished condition. They are going to be a challenge to finish.
Stingray

are you heat treating? from those ads it says the following

On offer 7 (or 12) vintage straight razor blades by famous DORKO brand, Solingen, which were created in early 1920s. Blades are made of traditional high-quality German carbon steel. After treatment they will look like the dark blank on on the third photo from the end with two razor blanks against the car (this blanks are presented here as an example, it is not on offer).

I was under the impression they need heat treating and final grinding, which would be nearly impossible for any of us without a double (2" diameter maybe) wheel grinder setup with such a hollow blade.
I could be wrong, JMO!
Maybe someone who purchased a "lot" could clarify if they are hard or not.
Eric.

If it were me I would first have a Rockwell hardness test performed. The reason why is that the appearance suggests that they have just been stamped out and not properly hardened & tempered and therefore to soft to perform a final grinding or, second, they have been hardened but not tempered in which case the hardness would be very high ( to high) or , third, any of the aforementioned but they have been thru a burning of the building they were stored in and therefore of a completely unknown state.

They also look like the final grinding has not been done.
I am basing this on prior experience with some Herder razor blanks.
If they were mine I would first anneal them then reharden & temper the blanks. Both would involve some effort.

Just my 2¢

Originally Posted by randydance062449

If it were me I would first have a Rockwell hardness test performed. The reason why is that the appearance suggests that they have just been stamped out and not properly hardened & tempered and therefore to soft to perform a final grinding or, second, they have been hardened but not tempered in which case the hardness would be very high ( to high) or , third, any of the aforementioned but they have been thru a burning of the building they were stored in and therefore of a completely unknown state.

They also look like the final grinding has not been done.
I am basing this on prior experience with some Herder razor blanks.
If they were mine I would first anneal them then reharden & temper the blanks. Both would involve some effort.

Just my 2¢

Thanks fo your comments
I have a PM for PapaBull Robert williams and asking his opinion on who to send them to.
Have also emailed the seller and asking him about them.

You might also send a PM to SRP member Mike Blue http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/mike-blue.html

He has experience with the Herder blanks.