Thread: Hargreaves, Smith & Co. Imperial Razor restoration

Nice job. I really like that brass wedge. You made those collars? Noice!

Originally Posted by dinnermint

Nice job. I really like that brass wedge. You made those collars? Noice!

Thanks Mint! Yes, I made these collars from brass tubing based on the info found here http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...-vlad-how.html many thanks to the folks who contributed info for that. I follow that method pretty close except I made my mandrel out of a roofing nail and after the collars are formed I dish out the top a little with a slightly larger drill bit so the pin can set in.

Impressive work, scales, pins, washer, finish on blade, time correct and beautifully done, Enjoy!
All done by hand, +1.

Very nicely done ! The time and patience put you put in is evident in the outcome. Kudos !

Stunning work all the way around, and it must have been a lot of work to do by hand! Would you care to share your sanding progression and technique to get that beautiful finish and crisp lines? If you consider it a proprietary secret, I respect that too- just curious for my own future plans. Thanks-Aaron

Beautiful work! I love the contrast between the spine and the blade. Scales are sweet too.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Stunning work all the way around, and it must have been a lot of work to do by hand! Would you care to share your sanding progression and technique to get that beautiful finish and crisp lines? If you consider it a proprietary secret, I respect that too- just curious for my own future plans. Thanks-Aaron

Thanks so much! I am more than happy to share what I did. I also posted some stuff while I was working on it in the "What are you working on?" thread if you would like to see some pictures. Basically I followed the advice found in this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...in-finish.html and thanks to the guys who shared info there - it was very useful. For the finish on the blade I hand sanded up to 2000 grit (dry) until I had a good even reflection then back down 1500, 1000, 800 in one direction, carefully with a small leather backer checking for blemishes at each step. Once at 800 I did a couple firm passes dry followed by a couple passes oiled (also 800). Then I jumped back up to 2000 oiled to soften and create glow. I had to redo several times if I got lines crooked. Then I did a final polish on the spine, tang, tail, and in the notch.

This razor is beautiful! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks! I'm going to dive into that thread and do my homework, as I'm getting some ebay razors in this week. Not sure when I can start on them, with school starting back up and we're remodeling our kitchen. But I'm guessing that involves many hours of hand-sanding!

Classy job. I love it.