Mappin Bros Lancet Edge

I have had this blade for a long time, unsure of what to do with it. The thing shows it's age and would require lots of work to erase all the blemishes. Besides, the patina and character on it was something I really kinda liked. If we sand away metal to erase imperfections caused by time on a piece like this, the many lines are lost and it becomes a lump sometimes. Clean, but scarred. The only scales I found to fit were plastic. THAT would not do so I let it sit for a long while. Then one day my fine friend Darl (Tarkus) made the mistake of saying how he needed a challenge and I decided to go minimal with the blade and send it to him for the scales.
He pretty much duplicated the plastic ones I had in highly polished black horn, right down to the thin, flat sides and the beveled edges. The guy is a lead wedge genius! Turned out sweet and honed up easily on all-natural hones. Very heavy blade, but so forgiving in the shave.

Thanks Darl!! :tu



Attachment 153829Attachment 153830Attachment 153831Attachment 153832Attachment 153833Attachment 153834

Love it- awesome razor

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Originally Posted by JoeLowett

Love it- awesome razor

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+1 classic elegant sweet razor! Enjoy!

TRES COOLES!!!!

+1!

Me likee...me likee a lot!

That is one of the most beautiful razors out there, imho.
And no, it does not need any more resto work at all.
I would never let any buffer-happy restorer within a hundred feet of that beauty!!

Nice work. First time for me to see black scales on one of those and it makes me want one now. :)

Beautiful for sure!!

Ray

I LOVE that blade.... I have just like it. A little blemish gives character and new scales make it look great. Good choice not to mess with it.

sharptonn + Tarkus + Mappin Bros Lancet Edge = Timeless

"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?

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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?

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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.

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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?

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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. :)

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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.
Attachment 153955

Next with a tapered hunk of steel I smack the cutout lead piece to smack a wedge
Attachment 153957

I next nib off the bulges
Attachment 153958

I'll hand sand the wedge flat
Attachment 153959

I then insert lead wedge into scales and pin
Attachment 153960

I nib the excess off around the scale and tap gently with penning hammer if any gaps are present
Attachment 153961

I file & sand around scale making lead flush
Attachment 153962

And viola easy peasy all done but the finishing. See I told you anyone can do this.
Attachment 153963

Very nice.

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Originally Posted by Tarkus

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

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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!


Attachment 153965

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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!

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I'm touched and honored.

Attachment 153971

Mostly touched :banghead:

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" ;)

Yeah what Wullie said! I swear I have one of thses some where in my pitiful collection. Or at least one of a similiar shape

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Originally Posted by Wullie

TRES COOLES!!!!

+1!

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I found it...lol and Sharpie posted on the thread. It's a hilarious read.
You said you were going to put ivory scales on it. You lied to me..LMAO. Here is the proof:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...dge-razor.html

Hey Cheetah, good to see you back ....... if you're back ........ one way or the other ....... good to see ya ....... figuratively speaking of course . ;)

Thanks man. I'm just here to spread a little laughter ,learn a little bit and float around from time to time. This community is really awesome - I have to say.

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Hey Cheetah, good to see you back ....... if you're back ........ one way or the other ....... good to see ya ....... figuratively speaking of course . ;)

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Originally Posted by cheetahmeatpheonix

I found it...lol and Sharpie posted on the thread. It's a hilarious read.
You said you were going to put ivory scales on it. You lied to me..LMAO. Here is the proof:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...dge-razor.html

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Well, I intended to do ivory. I had to go horn as Tarkus no do ivory! :D
Has your lancet shrunk?? Did you find the etching yet?? :rofl2:

OH! BTW, Cheetah! It IS good to see you here! :cool:

Don't change the subject. I want to see some Ivory scales Mr....LOL

Def good to be here.

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

OH! BTW, Cheetah! It IS good to see you here! :cool:

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Wow I didn't even know that blade shape existed. That has to be one of the coolest razors I have seen. Thanks for showing it.

Oh poo. They're everywhere it seems.

Even got one in my pile with scales made from a natural material resembling bone but more likely the dental material of a pachyderm that was long deceased before the turn of the 20th century. Somebody referred to it as IRONY in another post around here somewhere. :p

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...ECHEAU0002.jpg

http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...ECHEAU0005.jpg

Has some stampings on the blade too.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...ECHEAU0003.jpg

Shaves wonderfully too for such a funny looking thing.

That blade is wider than it looks too. Measures right at 15/16" from the top of the spine to the edge.

I LOVE IT!!

That Is sweet, Wullie! They ARE some supurb shavers, IMO. HEY! Where's Cheetahmeat? We have some ivory here! :rofl2:

sashimi was right in most are seen in ivory. The horn is oh so nice on them too! ;)
Thanks for sharing that!

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Originally Posted by Tarkus

I'm touched and honored.

Attachment 153971

Mostly touched :banghead:

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I like your wedge making hat darl, i am sure it helps with concentration and looks a bitlike an undersized wizards hat :)

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

I like your wedge making hat darl, i am sure it helps with concentration and looks a bitlike an undersized wizards hat :)

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It fits his head! :D Attachment 169702

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

It fits his head! :D Attachment 169702

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Is that salad fingers?

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

I like your wedge making hat darl, i am sure it helps with concentration and looks a bitlike an undersized wizards hat :)

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This one?
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u...20shit/gun.jpg