13 and 14 of 14. Completion of two 7-day sets.

I have finally managed to complete my long-running project of two 7-day sets. One of American-made barber's-notched blades from different makers in MOP scales and one of different old Henckels grinds in vintage carved bone.
The last installment of this project can be viewed here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...1-12-14-a.html . Links at the beginning of each thread will go back to the beginning, two at a time.

To complete the sets, the last 2 razors have been finished. An old Empire Beardsley and Alvord wedge for the American set and an old Henckels #94 'Columbus' razor with a nice double-grind and a flat-top spine.

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the boxes for the sets were made by Tomas, who is a fine carpenter in the millwork shop behind my business, out of leftover Corian countertop material.

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I had 2 spare sets of scales in case anything should be broken during the project and fortunately, I did not need them! :D
I decided to include the spare scales in the bottom of the sets after I figured out a way to 'upholster' the boxes within my redneck limits. An upholsterer, I am NOT! :rofl2: So taking the spare bits of pearl and the bone scales, I fixed them up, installed sized collars, and double-stick taped them in the bottom of each box between two 7-wrench organizers and created a wooden basswood frame which fit loosely around it all. A dessicant pack could not hurt, I thought!

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Superb sets!, well done, boxes are very cool as well! Enjoy!

Now, after some experimentation, I got the formula for the size of the fabric down pat and used some fabric sticky-tape to create some 'Bags' of sorts! They will go over the racks and spare scales, dessicant.

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Then, some arranging, fluffing, folding, and prodding at least gave the razors a decent place to lie!

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Nice to have this project completed. Ton's of hours in it. Still need to hone most. While the blades are not all perfect, they all have nice geometry and are, of course, by great makers. I don't anticipate any issues getting all to shave good.
I figure a few a week and I will have them humming soon!
Thanks for looking! :D
Tom

Where did you find 2 lots of 8 sets of matching vintage scales?
They came out well tom and I like the idea of spare scales in the bottom of the sets, though if the boxes were banged onto a surface is there a risk of the upper spare scale cracking on the lower one?

They turned out splendidly Tom. I dig everything about them. Can you imagine in about 80 years from now. Some guy will get one of those sets from God knows where and from God knows who, will be tickled pink to find those spare scale panels. You will be praised out loud I'm sure and for certain. That's what makes this so epic. You planted this seed and now it will start a new legacy for these fine instruments.

Hip Hip Hoorah!!!!

Pretty darn good redneckin'. :tu

very very nice sets and boxes .. !!!

Fantastic!

I love the way you lined it. Looks spectacular.

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

Where did you find 2 lots of 8 sets of matching vintage scales?
They came out well tom and I like the idea of spare scales in the bottom of the sets, though if the boxes were banged onto a surface is there a risk of the upper spare scale cracking on the lower one?

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Thanks, Ed! These scales were searched out individually over many years. The scales are stuck to the bottom by strips of thick 3-M sticky-tape. The ones on top of the other have two layers, so they are barely touching the bottom ones. The razors are elevated above the scales/dessicant, so should be no issues. These are not 'travel' boxes, but are intended to stay on the shelf to store the razors in. As far as banging them down on a surface, better not happen! ;)

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Originally Posted by Martin103

Superb sets!, well done, boxes are very cool as well! Enjoy!

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My thanks, Martin! :D

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Originally Posted by Tarkus

They turned out splendidly Tom. I dig everything about them. Can you imagine in about 80 years from now. Some guy will get one of those sets from God knows where and from God knows who, will be tickled pink to find those spare scale panels. You will be praised out loud I'm sure and for certain. That's what makes this so epic. You planted this seed and now it will start a new legacy for these fine instruments.

Hip Hip Hoorah!!!!

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I appreciate that, Darl. It must look good or You would say otherwise! I can always count on your honesty....
Even when it hurts! :roflmao

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Originally Posted by MisterMoo

Pretty darn good redneckin'. :tu

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Yeah. Sometimes I can out-redneck my own self! ;) Thanks!

Nicely done and well thought out!

Very pretty work.

sorry Tom, i did read about the tape, but i also saw what i thought were tie wires holding the scales in, now i can look at a larger image i see they are just pieces of cotton holding the washers on.

I have seen a few vintage boxes with a similar interior arrangement. Looks good. I can't imagine how long you spent collecting all the parts and pieces. I'm pretty impressed with Henckels so that set is a little closer to my heart than the other. Nice boxes as well.

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Originally Posted by Trimmy72

Nicely done and well thought out!

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Originally Posted by Siguy

Very pretty work.

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Thanks, Guys! means a lot! :)

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

sorry Tom, i did read about the tape, but i also saw what i thought were tie wires holding the scales in, now i can look at a larger image i see they are just pieces of cotton holding the washers on.

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Yes, the thread is to keep the collars in their perspective holes as each is sized individually, as explained here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...op-liners.html. Was not necessary on the bone scales because they are lightly pressed through and ground from the backside.

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Originally Posted by RezDog

I have seen a few vintage boxes with a similar interior arrangement. Looks good. I can't imagine how long you spent collecting all the parts and pieces. I'm pretty impressed with Henckels so that set is a little closer to my heart than the other. Nice boxes as well.

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I appreciate that, Shaun. :D Took a long while indeed to round all the parts up! My inspiration for the interiors actually did come from some old shaving sets I have seen with the fabric folds.

Abolutetly awesome sets:dropjaw:
I love the forethought of the spares held in the bases :bow

An amazing idea an execution.

Just magnificent.

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Originally Posted by gooser

very very nice sets and boxes .. !!!

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Originally Posted by KindestCutOfAll

Fantastic!
I love the way you lined it. Looks spectacular.

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Originally Posted by Substance

Abolutetly awesome sets:dropjaw:
I love the forethought of the spares held in the bases :bow

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Thanks! :) As rubbing on all the razors, they start to become a blur in a way. Gives time to think about how to do the boxes. The spare scales proved a quandary because the idea was to preserve them in the event that something got dropped. The natural conclusion finally dawned upon me as I figured out how to finish the boxes. Include them!

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Originally Posted by rolodave

An amazing idea an execution.

Just magnificent.

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Thanks, Dave! Quite nice of you! :D

Tom, That is some of the best overall work that I have seen anywhere. That it is a modern hobbyist/ craftsman that did the work, brings the true value of the collection to the fore. I have worked with MOP and it does not abide mistakes!
Thank you for showing us how the work is done and raising the bar for long term planning and execution.
Sincerely
~Richard
PS Your "how to" post is wonderful!
Pinning-MOP-Liners.

Thanks, Richard. This truly means a lot. I live an humble existance, but adore the finer things in life. I tend to attempt to build things which I cannot afford. Some days are diamonds, some days are stones!
I hope that my razor-nut posts are not misinterpreted. I am really just having fun. I enjoy things from the past and the history behind them as well as bringing them back to life....in my own way, of course! ;:)

Absolutely magnificent, the craftsmanship takes your breath away. My address is...........

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Thanks, Richard. This truly means a lot. I live an humble existance, but adore the finer things in life. I tend to attempt to build things which I cannot afford. Some days are diamonds, some days are stones!
I hope that my razor-nut posts are not misinterpreted. I am really just having fun. I enjoy things from the past and the history behind them as well as bringing them back to life....in my own way, of course! ;:)

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What razor nut posts? If I get some razor nuts will they grow into razor trees, if so where can I get a Mappin and Webb lancet nut? :)

I do recall one post with a PAIR of cannabis leaf scaled razors, you were nuts to buy those :)

Whoa Tarkus, Sharptonn just finished these amazing sets and you put him in his grave and talk about some moke from the future getting his grubby mitts on them. Egads man!

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Originally Posted by Tarkus

They turned out splendidly Tom. I dig everything about them. Can you imagine in about 80 years from now. Some guy will get one of those sets from God knows where and from God knows who, will be tickled pink to find those spare scale panels. You will be praised out loud I'm sure and for certain. That's what makes this so epic. You planted this seed and now it will start a new legacy for these fine instruments.

Hip Hip Hoorah!!!!

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Originally Posted by Anthony1954

Absolutely magnificent, the craftsmanship takes your breath away. My address is...........

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Thanks Anthony! I suppose I might give you MY address first! :rolleyes:

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

I do recall one post with a PAIR of cannabis leaf scaled razors, you were nuts to buy those :)

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HEY! I did get my money's worth out of those! :rofl2:

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Originally Posted by WW243

Whoa Tarkus, Sharptonn just finished these amazing sets and you put him in his grave and talk about some moke from the future getting his grubby mitts on them. Egads man!

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No worries, Bill! Darry just thinks he will outlive me! :roflmao Thanks, Man!

tom, did that pair hone up ok? (the cannabis ones)

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Thanks, Richard. This truly means a lot. I live an humble existance, but adore the finer things in life. I tend to attempt to build things which I cannot afford. Some days are diamonds, some days are stones!
I hope that my razor-nut posts are not misinterpreted. I am really just having fun. I enjoy things from the past and the history behind them as well as bringing them back to life....in my own way, of course! ;:)

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Your posts are wonderful to those of us gaining skills. This series is of great news to we who have a shaky time of renewing one razor, let alone one of MOP or Ivory.
You show it can be done and that alone says we can learn!
Thank you!
~Richard

Wow !!! Wonderful and breathtaking in execution and appearance. You have set the bar high for all who follow after you. I fear to unveil my 7 day set in progress now. You set the bar that high. Corion box you say?? Might have to send you a PM on that one.

Just plain beautiful work. Humble people with an eye for detail far outweigh rich folk who throw money around and have no skills.
You Sir have Mad Skills and the eye for detail. Is that why they say "The devil is in the details?" and you have a red box??:shrug::angel:

I had been following this restore since the last post. Good to see you got it finished up. Beautiful sets. An the storage boxes came out very nice.

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Originally Posted by WW243

Whoa Tarkus, Sharptonn just finished these amazing sets and you put him in his grave and talk about some moke from the future getting his grubby mitts on them. Egads man!

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Ah come on Bill I gave him 80 more years. That would put him at 135 years old. You on the other hand......... Hmmmmmmm :thinking:
Sorry but it don't look good...:shrug:
Har!!!!!

Tom...I wish I could say something representative of this work that hasn't already be said. How about: 'You're my Hero'! This is just stellar work and a testament to your hard headed Texan persistence in creating a concept, and having the vision to collect everything needed to complete this wonderful project. Just Beautiful work my friend!

:tu

WP34

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Originally Posted by Geezer

Your posts are wonderful to those of us gaining skills. This series is of great news to we who have a shaky time of renewing one razor, let alone one of MOP or Ivory.
You show it can be done and that alone says we can learn!
Thank you!
~Richard

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Thanks, Richard! :D TBH, I learned a great deal doing these sets. While I have pinned lots of other bone and pearl, little tricks learned as attempting to duplicate things certainly will come in handy!

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Originally Posted by RollinCoal69

I had been following this restore since the last post. Good to see you got it finished up. Beautiful sets. An the storage boxes came out very nice.

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My thanks for following along and also the kind comments! :tu

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Originally Posted by Tarkus

Ah come on Bill I gave him 80 more years. That would put him at 135 years old. You on the other hand......... Hmmmmmmm :thinking:
Sorry but it don't look good...:shrug:
Har!!!!!

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Well, TBH, Darl, At 135 years old I would be lots uglier and even more decrepit. Better end it before then! :rofl2:

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Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Tom...I wish I could say something representative of this work that hasn't already be said. How about: 'You're my Hero'! This is just stellar work and a testament to your hard headed Texan persistence in creating a concept, and having the vision to collect everything needed to complete this wonderful project. Just Beautiful work my friend!

:tu

WP34

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Thanks a lot, Mike! :bow That, coming from a craftsman such as yourself, really means a great deal!

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Originally Posted by ultrasoundguy2003

Wow !!! Wonderful and breathtaking in execution and appearance. You have set the bar high for all who follow after you. I fear to unveil my 7 day set in progress now. You set the bar that high. Corion box you say?? Might have to send you a PM on that one.

Just plain beautiful work. Humble people with an eye for detail far outweigh rich folk who throw money around and have no skills.
You Sir have Mad Skills and the eye for detail. Is that why they say "The devil is in the details?" and you have a red box??:shrug::angel:

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Thanks! I appreciate your words. I had worried about the red box a bit. Sort of unconventional, I thought. Oh well, it certainly 'pops', as they say! :D

So I have to ask, "Where did you get the rack for inside the box??, Or is this something that has to be made from scratch??
I dont want mine to lay on their sides.

Truth dude....just sent for the medical body donation form last week.....I'm shaving with one foot in the grave.

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Originally Posted by Tarkus

Ah come on Bill I gave him 80 more years. That would put him at 135 years old. You on the other hand......... Hmmmmmmm :thinking:
Sorry but it don't look good...:shrug:
Har!!!!!

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How did I miss this Tom!!!??? The fact that its taken so long to acquire the scales for this project, is mind blowing enough. The other thing that blows my mind is the condition of all the blades. They're all so perfect! I want to say, make sure you take the time to enjoy them, use them, hold them, melt into the honing sessions and enjoy that as well..... But I'm sure you will! They will be enjoyed for many, many years I'm sure.
Even after your gone!

So now I just have one question...... when are you starting the pass around???? :rofl2:

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Originally Posted by ultrasoundguy2003

So I have to ask, "Where did you get the rack for inside the box??, Or is this something that has to be made from scratch??
I dont want mine to lay on their sides.

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Those are plastic wrench organizers. Someone told me they found some at Harbor Freight. Cut to size and sticky tape on the bottom. I use them to hold my rotation in a cabinet at home as well!

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Originally Posted by WW243

I'm shaving with one foot in the grave.

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I suppose we all are, Bill!

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Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

How did I miss this Tom!!!??? The fact that its taken so long to acquire the scales for this project, is mind blowing enough. The other thing that blows my mind is the condition of all the blades. They're all so perfect! I want to say, make sure you take the time to enjoy them, use them, hold them, melt into the honing sessions and enjoy that as well..... But I'm sure you will! They will be enjoyed for many, many years I'm sure.
Even after your gone!

So now I just have one question...... when are you starting the pass around???? :rofl2:

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Thanks, Andrew! I plan on using these sets long after the others are gone.
I though about the 'pass around' thing, but inevitably someone would drop one and then, no more spare scales! ;)

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Those are plastic wrench organizers. Someone told me they found some at Harbor Freight. Cut to size and sticky tape on the bottom. I use them to hold my rotation in a cabinet at home as well!

I suppose we all are, Bill!


Thanks, Andrew! I plan on using these sets long after the others are gone.
I though about the 'pass around' thing, but inevitably someone would drop one and then, no more spare scales! ;)

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If it was anyone, it would be me. I'm the biggest klutz of life! I was kidding. If they were mine, they'd never leave my clutches. I'd be spooning them at night!

Excellent work Tom, but we expect this from you nowadays!

I love your sympathetic approach to restoration, doing just enough and not going overboard like some 'look how clever I am' types that infest this forum...

Take my advice, dont leave Darl alone with them...

Regards,

Neil

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Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Excellent work Tom, but we expect this from you nowadays!

I love your sympathetic approach to restoration, doing just enough and not going overboard like some 'look how clever I am' types that infest this forum...

Take my advice, dont leave Darl alone with them...

Regards,

Neil

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Thank you, Neil! I appreciate the kind words. :D
Speaking of sympathetic, there are a few old wedges in these sets and Darl has offered to hone them to help me out.
I AM having reservations about that, however! ;)

Fantastic achievement Tom - a true labour of love.

Very very nicely done Tom now didn't they turn out well.