Bengall Restoration

[andrewmurray86]

So I picked this up in an antique shop for $15, I was very drawn to it because of the spike point, this is my first as far as seeing and owning. The spine has no grind wear on it and the scales were in great shape (even if they have lost their shine).

The blade was quite rusty and had some deep pitting


I removed the scales very carefully and sanded back the blade and tang until all the rust was gone. I did this with progressively finer grit wet n dry paper. There was also a thick sticky grease like substance on the tang which you can see in the photos, some Eucalyptus Oil dissolved that rather quickly.

I decided due to the heavy pitting that remained I would not go for a mirror finish rather a stain type finish. Fortunately there was no pitting around the bottom end of the blade so it should sharpen up without any trouble.

This is my first (real) attempt at re-pinning a razor and I must say I am very pleased with the result! It sits right in the middle of the scales and is nice and tight but not stiff to swivel around. I used some washers and pins I got from eBay out of London for a nice price ($20AU inc shipping).



Edit: That last photo is to show the size of the belly on the razor, it's the most prominent I've seen out of the 12 I currently own. Is that a common things?

[Razorfeld]

Good job. Bengall's are fine shavers. I have two -one no maker marked and a Cadman & Son marking. If you are saying it has a belled grind you have a very 'singing razor'. When you use it, use a very light touch as the blade is very flexible.

[andrewmurray86]

Specifically the thing this diagram is pointing too... Is that the same as a belled grind?


Cheers

[Razorfeld]

Exaggerated, yes. If you lightly run your forefinger and thumb from the spine to the edge you should feel a slight swelling near the edge. If so, it is a bellied grind. It can be a very subtle feeling. My two favorite grinds are the two extremes - bellied, for its extra, extra thinness and a full or nearly full wedge.

[andrewmurray86]

This is a better shot of the end of the blade with the belly in view, taken with my Canon rather than my phone,

[Razorfeld]

To my eyes it is a bellied grind, ever so subtle. To me, in other descriptions of the various grinds I referred to the bellied grind as having the voice of a lyrical soprano and a wedge the voice of a Russian super deep bass, more of a low rumble felt more than heard.

I've heard them described as Basso Profundo.

[andrewmurray86]

Ah yes, thank you for the clarification I am very much looking forward to sharpening and shaving with this one, although truth be told I might send it to Oz to sharpen up for me lol.

I have another Bengall that needs new scales put on it. Very much looking forward to using it too! I am tossing up whether to use an Australian wood (lovely hardwood we have here from the Eucalyptus Genus) or using some English Oak I have recently come into, I think using the English Oak would be appropriate as it is an English blade but the eucalyptus wood I have gives a much nice natural finish.

[Razorfeld]

Unless you are very experienced with honing or super sure of your skill set I'd send it to Oz. Those super thin blades can be very tricky to do properly.

[Grazor]

Wow, what a couple of beaut bengall razors you have there. Have to agree with razorfeld, send at least one out, will give you a benchmark to judge all your other razors by. They really do take a terrific edge, my current favorite.

[Maladroit]

Andrew, I've also got one of these big, bellied hollow near 7/8 Bengalls - arr alright, I've actually got 2! They are among my best shavers. One is clad in Huon pine scales and the other in red cedar. The smoothness of these big blades has got to be felt to be believed. You're gonna like this one. As always, the advice to send to Oz is sound.