Thread: I. Barber stub tail restoration

Beautiful save G.
Well done buddy. Great translucency to the scales and finish on the blade itself.
Enjoy!

Great work. You really got that blade cleaned up. What progression did you use getting the pitting out and finishing it?

Originally Posted by JP5

Great work. You really got that blade cleaned up. What progression did you use getting the pitting out and finishing it?

Thanks, I really appreciate it. Good question about the process. I worked sanding by hand from low grit to high to get the pitting and corrosion out. I went as low as 150 for a while there, but I would recommend caution to anyone starting out with restorations. I didn't just dive in at 150, I tried less aggressive grits and ended up at 150 for a while and was only able to do that because this is a thick blade. Low grits like that would be a no-no on thinner grinds. There's faster ways to do this, I'm sure, but this is how I do it with the tools and skills I have at this time.

So, something like 150, 220, 320, 400, 600, 800, 1000, 1500, 2000, 3000, 4000 using a piece of dowel as a backer through most of it... this took some time, you can see some pictures in the beginning of the thread where it was at this point.

Then to apply the satin finish, working spine to edge, down the grits 2000, 1500, 1000, 800 all dry with just my finger for a backer. Just like coats of paint. Then 800 with oil, then 2000 with 1 micron diamond lapping paste to soften. The finish took probably close to a couple hours when all said and done both blade faces.

Finally, a quick polish on the shiny areas. It was a fun project and I always find it so freakin' rewarding to shave with one I've worked on. Good stuff, that is

Tuzi, great job on that Satin finish. Now the secret is out. Thanks for sharing your technique with all. Beautiful razor. Know that it will be a great shaver with that nice thin bevel which is also so well done. But all yours seem to turn out like this! Go figure.

Thanks for the detailed response. I'm always interested in learning about different approaches to restorations
Threads like this really make me want a nice stubtail!
I have one, but with the condition it is in, I will probably leave it as is.

Thanks for the very kind words, compliments and encouragement from all. It's a real gift to be able to share with you guys on here, you have great passion and enthusiasm as well as knowledge and experience. I always look forward to seeing what you are talking about and sharing, and I've learned a lot from everyone on here so here's a big THANK YOU!

Originally Posted by karlej

I. = J. in old English. I believe the maker is John Barber. His set-square and compass trade mark was granted in 1823. He also used a trade mark which was a crown over the word 'Wolf'. The Wolf trade mark was originally owned by George Shepherd. Listed as John Barber & Son in 1833. He died in 1834. John Barber also claimed there were others counterfeiting his razors.
To add to the confusion there was also an Isaac Barber granted his freedom in 1811. So it could be his razor. It sure has the lines of a John Barber razor to my eyes. Maybe Voidmonster will chime in with his knowledge of the old makers.
A cold shut is an imperfect weld caused in a forging by the inadequate heat of one surface under working or by an oxide film.

It’s definitely Isaac. John Barber never would’ve let a razor with a cold shut appear with his name on it. The story goes, he personally inspected every razor he sold.

Isaac was a cheeky guy banking on the confusion with I/J.

Here they both are listed in my copy of White’s 1833 directory:

Phenomenal restoration work per usual. Some things just can't be rushed, and this yet another example of that! Looking forward to the next installment in your restoration schooling series

Wonderful work Tuzi! That is a killer restore.