Thread: A Fredrick Reynolds back from the brink

I purchased this 13/16 near wedge barber notch back in April. I knew I was gambling a bit based on what I could see in the auction pictures. After I started working on a bevel I believed I'd lost the gamble. Pits were into the edge and I found a crack through the toe

So the plan changed and I decided to use this blade to work on some skills. Periodically, I'd pull it out and practice my rolling X stoke with my bevel setting stone. Eventually, I noticed the pits were getting smaller and new ones weren't showing up. Then I hit clean steel at the edge

The plan changed again and it was time to try my hand at cutting the tip off the blade to get rid of the crack. I took a 1/4 to a 1/2 inch off and went with a spanish point. It worked well with the position of the crack and I happen to like spanish points.

I made new scales with streaked horn using the originals as a pattern, made my second attempt at a three piece wedge, and made some collars from #0 wide brass washers. I left the finish at 1000 grit because I think high polish with a lot of devils spit doesn't look correct.

It seems to have taken a nice edge, though the bevel is pretty wide even with three layers of tape.

I'm pleased I was able to bring this back and am looking forward using this blade again after unknown years of neglect. I really enjoyed this project, learned some new skills, and improved some others.




(FYI using terracotta to prop up a razor for photos is not a good idea. The razor tipped over at one point and blunted the edge at the toe. It came back with the 8K so all was good.)

What it used to look like