Big Bad Belgian in Burl

[BigBubba]

So, after a year of looking I finally found a 9/8+ blade. I know that another member will recognize this one… I think it was destined to end up in PHX. If we get a place for a get together I'll be sure to bring this one.
It’s a Belgian blade marked GEBR V.D. SAND AALST, and when I got it was just short of 10/8, with crappy scales that didn’t fit, some rust and pitting. Since it’s a full hollow I didn’t want to risk going too deep with the sanding. I got rid of the pitting on the spine, but there is still some minor pitting left on the blade. The original grind marks were very deep, so some remnants of those remain as well.
I scoured the forums for inspiration for huge scales, but there aren't too many examples. I just drew this shape on paper and really liked it.
Overall I’m really happy with it. The test shave was really good.

Sorry for the quality of the pics. I took them late last night. I'm going to try to build a lightbox this weekend. The before pics are the ones from ebay. I was too exited to get started on this to get good before pics. The 2nd razor in one pic is a 5/8 lakeside cutlery to show the size difference.
As usual, comments and criticism are welcome.

Stats;
Maker's Marks: Front: GEBR V.D. SAND AALST Back: 14 1/2
Width: ~19/16, just over 9/8
Grind: Full Hollow
Cutting edge: 3.25”
Scales: Ambonia Burl w/aluminum liners
Wedge: Ebony
Hardware: Nickel silver pins w/fancy washers

[singlewedge]

Did you use it to fell the tree that gave you those scales?

Thats a monster.

[ben.mid]

That's breathtaking! I would love that to be mine. The scales look amazing & that blade is huge!

[Philadelph]

Looks great. Really nice job.

[BigBubba]

Looks great. Really nice job.

Thanks! You don't know how hard it was not to "borrow" your scale design you used for your translucent horn scales. You came up with a design that really fit the huge blade well.

[Seraphim]

Is the cigar in the background for smoking after a shave with that monster?

[Aquanin]

Hope this could have been inspiration as well:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/galle...oyna-burl.html

I like how it really flares out at the end. Looks AWESOME. Really classy. I bet that thing shaves like a champ.

[Leighton]

I always wondered who got it! Well, we can go grab a beer and you can show it to me.