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W&B First Custom Restore (Pic heavy)
Well, this has been a process. But before the pics, a little background. I purchased this W&B Fine India Steel near wedge at an antique mall in Des Moines, IA over Christmas break, so It's only fitting that I finished it over spring break. The only thing I know for sure is that SWMBO is glad I'm finished. She wants to go on a date or something, I don't know I was pretty busy trying to take pictures.
The blade was in pretty rough shape, and the scales were shot. The blade is not a re-grind, so it's not "perfect," there is still a little pitting left, but I think it looks good that way (IMHO). I hand sanded the blade up to 2500, then rubbing compound, and then blue magic. The scales are my first mycarta attempt. I believe I started with 9 layers, + epoxy clamped between wood. I ended up sanding them down a bit (at least a couple of layers) because I wasn't pleased with the thickness. They used to be a pair of dress slacks I got from a thrift store, I think maybe they were wool? Hand sanded also up to 2500, then a few layers of CA because I wanted a little more shine. CA finish was hand sanded up to 2500, then rubbing compound, and then blue magic also.
I made the wedge from a piece of aluminum stock I got at Ace hardware. The SS washers I got there also, and then attempted to dome them (my first attempt at this, happy with how they turned out) using a punch I already owned and drilling into the side of my claw hammer. The pins are 1/16" Nickel Silver. I had to fill the pivot hole with epoxy, because it was WAY to large, and I didn't want to sleeve. So I filled it and drilled it back out to 1/16" and man is it ever smooth opening and closing - no hitch. Love it. I wanted to make all the hardware you can see silver/steel, but the internal washers are brass so the blade doesn't rub the scales.
Well worth the countless hours I put in.
I'm really happy with how it turned out. Most importantly, I had a WONDERFUL time doing this, learned a ton, researched a lot, and benefitted from all the GREAT resources on this wonderful forum.
So, without further ado, here she is with a 1891 silver dollar, illustrating that she is at least older than that:
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