Nathaniel and Robert Dodge (N&R Dodge c. 1835-1862) 7/8+ Wedge

Printable View

03-20-2015, 11:49 PM
Wolfpack34

9 Attachment(s)

Nathaniel and Robert Dodge (N&R Dodge c. 1835-1862) 7/8+ Wedge

Here’s a real beauty, and an absolutely stunning shaver that came to me via a close friend here on SRP… Thanks Again Andrew!

Not quite 15/16 inches wide this made for the Military (as evidenced by the military unit markings on the scales) was made sometime between 1850-1860 when Nathaniel and Robert Dodge began selling cutlery in addition to their main business which was horn pressing and hafting. When Nathaniel withdrew from the firm in about 1862, the business became Joseph & Robert Dodge.

The before pictures show the condition of the razor before restoration, and even though the scales were quite iffy I decided to restore those along with the blade rather than opting for a new set of scales. The razor was finished in a two-tone: high polish on the tang and spine and a polished crocus finish on the blade face, with brass pins and domed brass washers.

So …I hope you like it as much as I do!

BEFORE PICS:

Attachment 196344 Attachment 196345 Attachment 196346 Attachment 196347 Attachment 196348 Attachment 196349

AFTER PICS:

Attachment 196350 Attachment 196351 Attachment 196352
03-20-2015, 11:58 PM
10Pups

Holy crap Mike . You out did yourself ! And that ain't easy :<0)
03-20-2015, 11:59 PM
Leatherstockiings

Stellar work! The two-time polish is near.
03-21-2015, 12:01 AM
ChopperDave

That is a stunning job! great SAVE! :chapeau

How did you save the scales?
03-21-2015, 12:04 AM
Martin103

Once again very nice work Mike, Enjoy! :tu
03-21-2015, 12:10 AM
Phrank

Beautiful - I'm blown away it's the same razor, after seeing it I now know it was meant to be sent to you....great job!
03-21-2015, 12:51 AM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Holy crap Mike . You out did yourself ! And that ain't easy :<0)

Thanks Jerry! I appreciate it. It shaves like that Greaves of yours...wonderfully smooth!
03-21-2015, 12:56 AM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Stellar work! The two-time polish is near.

Thank you! I love the 2-tone finish...I'm glad you like it as well.

Quote:

Originally Posted by ChopperDave

That is a stunning job! great SAVE! :chapeau
How did you save the scales?

The scales were sanded up to 12K grit after the bug-bites were repaired. Then polished with Brown and Blue polish and finally Maas. I'm glad you like it!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Martin103

Once again very nice work Mike, Enjoy! :tu

Thank you Martin...I always await your comments and they are always appreciated.
03-21-2015, 12:59 AM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phrank

Beautiful - I'm blown away it's the same razor, after seeing it I now know it was meant to be sent to you....great job!

edit: trying to find the thread where Hirlau posted pictures of the Civil War Unit that the razor was from....

I can't thank you enough Andrew. It really is a wonderful razor and it was a fun project...notwithstanding all the time it took for me to finish. ;) If you can dig up that post of Hirlau it would be way cool. You're the best my friend!
03-21-2015, 01:02 AM
Phrank

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

I can't thank you enough Andrew. It really is a wonderful razor and it was a fun project...notwithstanding all the time it took for me to finish. ;) If you can dig up that post of Hirlau it would be way cool. You're the best my friend!

No worries, that piece of American history belonged in the US of A, and who better to resurrect it than a veteran - you did a stunning job on the restore and for me, bringing these old beauties back to life and "shave ready", to be used again, is more than half the joy I receive from this fantastic hobby.

Great work brother!
03-21-2015, 01:07 AM
Wolfpack34

Like I said...you're the best Andrew!
03-21-2015, 01:09 AM
gssixgun

Awesome work simply awesome...

That came together very nice.. Love that you decided to save the scales, probably more work in saving them then in making new ones :tu
03-21-2015, 01:16 AM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Awesome work simply awesome...

That came together very nice.. Love that you decided to save the scales, probably more work in saving them then in making new ones :tu

You have no idea how much I appreciate that Glen...especially since the first restore you did for me started me on this journey! Thanks so much...
03-21-2015, 01:40 AM
sharptonn

Great to see you guys sharing and especially the fine work. I love these razors being treated with respect. :tu

Ummmmm, don't die and take that 'crocus' finish to the grave with you, Mike! I bought some and have rubbed for hours on one spot. Ain't happening! :roflmao
03-21-2015, 01:54 AM
wyobarbershop

Phrank couldn't have said it better!

You've done a really wonderful job with this one! Thanks for sharing those before/after pics!
03-21-2015, 02:03 AM
Wolfpack34

2 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Great to see you guys sharing and especially the fine work. I love these razors being treated with respect. :tu

Ummmmm, don't die and take that 'crocus' finish to the grave with you, Mike! I bought some and have rubbed for hours on one spot. Ain't happening! :roflmao

Seriously.... Attachment 196360 :rofl2:

Thanks a lot Tom!

Here's the little trick I use Tom with all my razors that I restore this way. I put them in a deep hole in the ground and chant the following...

Attachment 196361
03-21-2015, 02:05 AM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyobarbershop

Phrank couldn't have said it better!

You've done a really wonderful job with this one! Thanks for sharing those before/after pics!

Thank you! It means a lot...
03-21-2015, 02:06 AM
sharptonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Seriously.... Attachment 196360 :rofl2:

Thanks a lot Tom!

HEY! I was serious! :D
03-21-2015, 02:14 AM
sharptonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Seriously....

Attachment 196361

Now THATS just wrong, Mike! :eek:
Nice razor, My friend! ;)
03-21-2015, 02:16 AM
Wolfpack34

I know Tom...that's what I found so "HUMERUS"...:roflmao:roflmao

I'M SERIOUS TOO...you should try the chant trick. It's important though to try not to laugh!
03-21-2015, 02:20 AM
sharptonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

I know Tom...that's what I found so "HUMERUS"...:roflmao:roflmao

I'M SERIOUS TOO...you should try the chant trick. It's important though to try not to laugh!

Gawd. I am fiddy-five and ain't had a need to chant yet. Don't know if I can? I could be doomed! :dropjaw:
03-21-2015, 11:27 AM
karlej

Very impressive job. Love the scales. Can you explain the process you use to get the crocus finish on the blade?
03-21-2015, 01:20 PM
MikeB52

Slow to notice this thread.
Really nice save And beautiful finish on the blade Mike..
Congrats.
03-21-2015, 04:50 PM
Wolfpack34

3 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by karlej

Very impressive job. Love the scales. Can you explain the process you use to get the crocus finish on the blade?

Thanks Karl...

I'm trying to put together a blog post with pictures (coming soon I hope!) showing the process and the steps...since I've been asked to do this. Basically I use a combination of hand sanding, a buffer with 400 grit compound, and a Dremel with a 1.5 inch wheel. The crocus is applied by hand. You can purchase the crocus sheets (800 Grit) online...although lately I have been playing around with a crocus powder mixed with beeswax and paraffin and a buffing wheel.
The one caveat is that it does take a lot of time...but for me it's worth it for the effect!

In the meantime...Here's a couple of close-up shots of the blade face to show you what it looks like a little better.

Attachment 196392 Attachment 196393 Attachment 196397
03-21-2015, 04:51 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Slow to notice this thread.
Really nice save And beautiful finish on the blade Mike..
Congrats.

Thanks Mike...
03-22-2015, 01:28 PM
Tarkus

Just wonderful Mike. A true master restorer you are.

Oh and dont tell Tom your secret, tell him you use a banjo grinder with an 80 grit disc on it. Har!!!
03-22-2015, 03:09 PM
mglindo

Whoa! Absolutely beautiful! I love it!

Mike
03-22-2015, 03:22 PM
sharptonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarkus

Just wonderful Mike. A true master restorer you are.

Oh and dont tell Tom your secret, tell him you use a banjo grinder with an 80 grit disc on it. Har!!!

That is exactly how he does it. Except he chants the whole time. While not laughing, of course. :D
I will probably never do it, even if he divulges how. Although it does make some pitted old wedges look very nice, I do expect that no thinner grinds will stand up to the process.
Besides, I have no banjo grinder and all this is funny as Hell to me! :roflmao
03-22-2015, 04:08 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarkus

Just wonderful Mike. A true master restorer you are.

Oh and dont tell Tom your secret, tell him you use a banjo grinder with an 80 grit disc on it. Har!!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptonn

That is exactly how he does it. Except he chants the whole time. While not laughing, of course. :D
I will probably never do it, even if he divulges how. Although it does make some pitted old wedges look very nice, I do expect that no thinner grinds will stand up to the process.
Besides, I have no banjo grinder and all this is funny as Hell to me! :roflmao

Thanks Darl...you know I appreciate the kind words. But seriously...Tom, you can do this...here is my secret tool (as Darl suggested). Besides the 'Chanting' of course:

Supermet D D Gardner Grinder Aligning Banjo Used | eBay

Now I know it is pricey...but with the size of YOUR razor museum I am sure you can get a lot of use out of this tool. ;) :rofl2:
03-22-2015, 04:09 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by mglindo

Whoa! Absolutely beautiful! I love it!

Mike

Thank you Mike...
03-22-2015, 04:12 PM
Phrank

Big thanks to SRP member Hirlau who found this information and pictures about the military unit from the American Civil War this straight razor originated from:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ml#post1423160
03-22-2015, 04:17 PM
Wolfpack34

Quote:

Originally Posted by Phrank

Big thanks to SRP member Hirlau who found this information and pictures about the military unit from the American Civil War this straight razor originated from:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ml#post1423160

Hey! Thanks Andrew...and a thanks to Hirlau as well. Real neat info to go with a Great razor. :tu
03-22-2015, 04:27 PM
Phrank

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Hey! Thanks Andrew...and a thanks to Hirlau as well. Real neat info to go with a Great razor. :tu

It's really fascinating to put faces, places, and events to the context of these little pieces of history - to think, first, that this razor was in use during this time, and that it very well may have been at the location when those photographs were taken, it's like our own little documentary channel here on SRP!!

Awesome restore work on that blade again Mike!!
03-22-2015, 05:23 PM
Tarkus

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wolfpack34

Thanks Darl...you know I appreciate the kind words. But seriously...Tom, you can do this...here is my secret tool (as Darl suggested). Besides the 'Chanting' of course:

Supermet D D Gardner Grinder Aligning Banjo Used | eBay

Now I know it is pricey...but with the size of YOUR razor museum I am sure you can get a lot of use out of this tool. ;) :rofl2:

Mike Mention that there was a Lipshaw tag on the banjo he will probably want 5 of them. Oh wait that could be me as well.
:rofl2:
03-22-2015, 06:08 PM
sharptonn

1 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tarkus

Mike Mention that there was a Lipshaw tag on the banjo he will probably want 5 of them. Oh wait that could be me as well.
:rofl2:

You fellas and your banjo......:rolleyes:

Attachment 196518
03-23-2015, 12:19 AM
Wullie

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptonn

You fellas and your banjo......:rolleyes:

Attachment 196518

http://cdn.someecards.com/someecards...835_291606.png

:gaah::rofl2:

Fantastic save on that razor!!
03-23-2015, 01:22 AM
Wolfpack34

I was wondering who was going to 'Hit' Tom back with that first... :roflmao:roflmao Good One Wullie!

One of my all time fav's... (This is For Tom!)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1tqxzWdKKu8

All times are GMT. The time now is 01:29 AM.