Thread: Fresh off the bench

I just finished this razor yesterday. I tried out some file work on the spine and really like how it turned out. The detail are:

Steel: O1 from NJ Steel Baron
Width: 7/8
Grind: 1/2 Hollow
Scales: Cocobolo with brass wedge

I bought some new belts from pops knife supple (Hermes belts) because I wanted something that I could use wet sanding with on the grinder. I had a ton of issues with them separating at the joint. I bought them specifically for wet sanding and I love their scratch pattern (nice and even) but was a bit frustrated with how them failed to last 20 mins when they got wet. Anybody with any insight into this issue feel free to chime in. I am still on the search for a belt to use for wet sanding on the grinder so any advice with that would be greatly appreciated. Also as always and comments, critiques, opinions..etc regarding the razor are always appreciated.

Thanks!!

Really loving the spinework, great job.

Beautiful razor! I love the smooth lines and gorgeous spine work.

I'd love to get into making my own razors ... how does one start?

Originally Posted by 1981Eagle

I'd love to get into making my own razors ... how does one start?

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.

Very smart looking razor, I dig it alot
Great job Jared

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.

Sounds like sage advice ... I do machine work - and general metalworking. Here is a photo of a trio of rifle rests I was 'commissioned' to make.



So I'm not completely without skills.