Thread: 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:

Nice job bro!
Looks real nice!

I am quite impressed, great job!!

Forgot the before pic:

The black micarta looks real slick. Metallic look from the aluminium wedge seems very period appropriate as some razors from that era had lead wedges. Great job!

So, looking for honest feedback, because I've been staring at this thing for so long. In person, the gray/whitish flecks in the micarta are NOT as noticeable, but I feel like in the pictures they stand out a TON.

If I was just looking at the pictures, I would think "oh, he tried hard...but that is just too bad." But honestly, when I look at it in person, I'm like "sweet, this looks awesome."

What do you all think? Have any of you had similar experiences with real life v. photo effect?

Like I said earlier...it looks GOOD!
Pictures and in person are different looks for sure.
Thing is my pictures looks like crap... Yours look good...

I think you can call that a job well done.

Very nice! Good work

Very nice job Joel. Some of us take pictures too, and we know how hard THAT is. The razor looks great.