Thread: Mappin Bros Lancet Edge

"Lead Wedge Genius" I asked about the process of making the lead wedge for the above razor and it is pretty interesting how it was done, I'll let the Genius say his own words on this but just know that that little piece of lead is sliced, hammered into submission, trimmed. It sounded a little like blacksmithing without the fire.....handmade. What I would like to know is how does someone figure out how to make a lead wedge? The demand isn't high and I don't think there are instruction booklets but maybe the information has been passed down somehow through the centuries? Or did Darl just make it up as he went?

Originally Posted by WW243

"Lead Wedge Genius" I asked about the process of making the lead wedge for the above razor and it is pretty interesting how it was done, I'll let the Genius say his own words on this but just know that that little piece of lead is sliced, hammered into submission, trimmed. It sounded a little like blacksmithing without the fire.....handmade. What I would like to know is how does someone figure out how to make a lead wedge? The demand isn't high and I don't think there are instruction booklets but maybe the information has been passed down somehow through the centuries? Or did Darl just make it up as he went?

I have discussed this with him as well. Good to talk of the things wedges do for a particular blade as to fit and function. Since Darl IS a toolmaker by trade, he understands this quite well. We even talked of different angles on either side of the wedge to compensate for wonky, warped, tangs, centering, etc. The wedge is quite thin on this one, yet it closes perfectly.

Beautiful blade Sharptonn...nicely done!

Please add my praise to everyone's comments above. You have a real treasure there.

Originally Posted by WW243

"Lead Wedge Genius" I asked about the process of making the lead wedge for the above razor and it is pretty interesting how it was done, I'll let the Genius say his own words on this but just know that that little piece of lead is sliced, hammered into submission, trimmed. It sounded a little like blacksmithing without the fire.....handmade. What I would like to know is how does someone figure out how to make a lead wedge? The demand isn't high and I don't think there are instruction booklets but maybe the information has been passed down somehow through the centuries? Or did Darl just make it up as he went?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have discussed this with him as well. Good to talk of the things wedges do for a particular blade as to fit and function. Since Darl IS a toolmaker by trade, he understands this quite well. We even talked of different angles on either side of the wedge to compensate for wonky, warped, tangs, centering, etc. The wedge is quite thin on this one, yet it closes perfectly.

Wait a minute guys. Before you Canonize me let me say a monkey can make a lead wedge. Its uber easy its actually more easy then with any other material cause you cant really mess up with the fit when pinning cause you have the option of tapping the lead into the loose cracks and gaps. It truly is the cheaters wedge of choice, not to mention period correct for old razors.
Heres my process.
I start out with a slab of lead that was cut off from a lead brick.


Next with a tapered hunk of steel I smack the cutout lead piece to smack a wedge


I next nib off the bulges


I'll hand sand the wedge flat


I then insert lead wedge into scales and pin


I nib the excess off around the scale and tap gently with penning hammer if any gaps are present


I file & sand around scale making lead flush


And viola easy peasy all done but the finishing. See I told you anyone can do this.

Very nice.

Originally Posted by Tarkus

Wait a minute guys. Before you Canonize me let me say a monkey can make a lead wedge.
]

Oh shure! Seriously, thanks for that tutorial. I can see the wedge shaped punch being quite useful.
I hereby anoint you the King of the Monkey Lead Wedge makers!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Oh shure! Seriously, thanks for that tutorial. I can see the wedge shaped punch being quite useful.
I hereby anoint you the King of the Monkey Lead Wedge makers!

I'm touched and honored.



Mostly touched

I hate to be a wet blanket, but my Occupational Medicine background has reared its head, and I feel obliged to caution anyone considering working with lead.

The sanding and filing processes are the real problems here, because they generate lead dust that can potentially be inhaled and/or ingested, and can contaminate the work area, clothing, and anywhere the person goes while contaminated. The lead wedge is not a source of concern.

Lead is poisonous whenever it gets into our bodies, and causes many different health problems. Children's developing brains are especially sensitive to lead, but adults also are at risk for heart, bone, kidney, nervous system, intestinal, blood, and reproductive problems from exposure. People are commonly exposed by breathing lead dust or fumes, or by eating or drinking contaminated food or water, or eating lead paint in the case of kids.

Anyone who might be exposed to lead dust should insure that the work area is well-ventilated, and should wear an appropriate respirator. Eye protection is also advised. To prevent ingesting lead dust, do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area, and hands should be thoroughly washed before doing any of these. A protective jumpsuit will minimize contamination of skin and clothing, and will also help prevent spreading the dust outside the work area if removed prior to entering a "clean" area. Taking a shower is also recommended after working around lead dust. Waste lead is considered to be an environmental pollutant, and should be disposed of appropriately.

For an excellent and very readable reference, check out the Centers for Disease Control lead info page.

One of my more memorable patients was a guy who asked me to have his wife evaluated for infertility. To make a long story short, it turned out that HE was the one who was infertile. I suspected lead poisoning which was confirmed by lab work, and he immediately assumed a work related exposure. But we couldn't find any lead in his workplace, so I asked about other possible sources. He then 'mentioned' that he casted his own lead bullets AND made leaded stained glass. He used no personal protective equipment, and had also contaminated his home. His wife had elevated lead levels, but no symptoms, and they were childless (luckily).

Indeed, respirators and environmental clean up are part of working with lead. Most of us have been aware of the dangers from an early age. I might make a mess of it, but am careful to avoid too much contact, washing hands often and keeping ventilation to the maximum. Good to recommend these things.
"Lead..... It's not just for breakfast anymore"