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

Nice job, have you shaved with it yet?

Tomorrow's the plan, I want another days growth to blow through.

Looks good, hope that’s not a crack near the toe.

On the before pics it was a crack at the toe. That's why I turned it into a spanish point.

Nice save, JJ-I love the streaked horn, lined wedge and Spanish point. Projects like that really teach us a lot in learning/refining new techniques. Let us know how she shaves!

Nice job. Love the scales.

Be truthful. You just love Spanish points!

Originally Posted by bouschie

Be truthful. You just love Spanish points!

Yep, not gonna even try and evade that. Definitely my favorite point style. If I ever go for a custom that's the point it will have.

Just finished up the test shave...very pleased with the outcome. Lathered up for a second pass it was so nice (I'm still not that comfortable with the ATG, but it will come). Almost no sting with the AS, I'll be keeping this one in the rotation for some time. I don't know if it's the steel or spending so much time on the bevel, but it came out well.