Dorko 651 in tortoise imitation shell

A couple of months ago I received 3 straight razors from a lady that actually belonged to her deceased godfather (he was 93 when he died).
Some weeks ago this lady had a cerebral haemorrhage and didn't survive this. She was only 72 and was a good friend to our family. So last weekend, I deceided to work on one of those razors as a remembrance to her.

The Dorko 651 razor with the yellow scales had already developed the first stage of cellrot (there was a rust spot at the pivot exactly in the same shape as a clear spot in the scales). So these had to go. I forgot to take pictures of the razor in its original state, but I've found a picture on ebay with the same razor on it. The blade itself is in 99% mint condition.
Attachment 161387
(E-bay picture, not mine)

I've found some resin blanks that resemble some kind of tortoise imitation shell. So I decided to make some scales out of it and inlay the Dorko inlay so it would sit flush with the scales.
Attachment 161388
Attachment 161389
Attachment 161390
Attachment 161391

It took me about 2 full days to complete the razor from start to finish. I've pinned the razor with original vintage ones. The wedge is made of black buffalohorn.
Attachment 161402
Attachment 161393
Attachment 161394
Attachment 161395
Attachment 161396

Attachment 161397
Attachment 161398
Attachment 161399
Attachment 161400

It's a great plus that the razor came in a near mint original box.
I think this is my most beautiful work untill now. Now the only thing there is left to do is hone it up and use it.
The start of a great week...

Beautiful straight razor.
Congrats on the finished project.

Very nice. I have been looking at the imitation tortoise shell and have been wondering what it looks like finished as a set of scales. I used to not like the look of it, but it has been growing on me.

Very nice piece of work on those scales. They are classy to match the blade.

Bob

Wow wow wow! Amazing work - I love that blade, and the scales came out brilliantly.

That work will definitely serve as an appropriate tribute to her. Good job!

Very nice save! I love tortiseshell, but the story behind it makes it even better. :)

That material gives the scales a classy look.

Beautiful work.
Can you describe how you did the inlay?
Grant

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by baldy

Beautiful work.
Can you describe how you did the inlay?
Grant

---

I would also be interested, that is an extremely clean transfer.

I really like what you did to the razor. WOW !!

Superb workmanship Dimitry, looks better than new to me.

very nice result :)!

Nice work! Please let us know how you went about transferring the inlay.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by baldy

Beautiful work.
Can you describe how you did the inlay?
Grant

---

Dimitry may have done it differently, but from the pix it looks like GSSixgun, 10Pups, and Max's "drop and pray" method. If I recall, a bit of CA is spread where the metal will go and then the piece is positioned as closely as you can, drop it in place and wiggle a bit if necessary - and then pray you got it right. After it's all dried you sand it all up evenly.

Regardless of how it was done, it's a beautiful outcome!

To answer your questions about how I did the transfer of the inlay. I carved out the scales using a small chisel and a sharp knife. Then glued it in place. I did not sand it all up evenly. The inlay was allready flush with the scales.

Beautiful work and a great save on the inlay.

Well done!!

Ray

Stunning. Great job.

As the Great Henry Longhurst would say....."Nicely done."

Great job and a great story. The translucence of the scales is what catches my eye. Very well done.

Dave