Originally Posted by
Jared13
I started by doing basic restorations by hand. I remember my first four restorations in particular because I bought all four razors at a local flea market for 6.00/razor. During the I would say first year I did just basic simple restorations with razors that didn't need scales as at that time I wasn't making them. Using some good economical flea market finds I learned about the geometry of different styles of razors and really worked on my honing ability. I then moved into scale making, experimenting with different shapes, materials, learning how to correctly pin..etc. Wedge making was a learning curve for myself and still isn't my favorite part. Following that I got the bug and watching videos and seeing the limitless potential of making a custom razor I decided that my next purchase was going to be a grinder. My brother-in-law and I built a small forge so I could HT O1 (easy to HT) and I saved and bought a grinder. I first learned by grinded a few practice bladed out of mild steel (stuff you can by at lowes, home depot..etc) just to get some feel of what it was like to grind. Then I moved on to O1. I watched a lot of videos, asked questions here on the forum, and just went at trying to make one. Patience is key. I can remember spending a few days on several of my first attempts and ruining them during final grinding, kind of frustrating, but none the less fun to do. I love working with my hands and making things. Any quiet time (very little as I have 2 young boys) in the shop at my bench, is appreciated:) For me there as a lot of experimenting and error in razor making. I tried new techniques, found some I like and some I just never got the feel for. Starting simple and progressing over time from restorations to making a razor is what worked for me. Patience, Patience, Patience.