8/8 Friodur "Black Mamba" re-scaled in Acrylic

Printable View

05-08-2009, 02:14 AM
gssixgun

2 Attachment(s)

8/8 Friodur "Black Mamba" re-scaled in Acrylic

Ok so I am doing before pics, WooooooHooooo miracles will never cease to amaze us....

This is a Henckles 8/8 Friodur Inox one of the Spanish Points that you can snag for $120-$150 on e-bay.... BTW it is pretty darn sharp right from the seller.... that could just be luck...

Now the one I got came with Bubinga scales, not bad huh?????

Attachment 24501

Here is where the problems start for non-restorers, you are going to assume many things when you buy this razor and they just are not true...

I am going to point out some amateur mistakes on these scales, if somebody on here made them, to bad if yer feelings are hurt, you MESSED UP !!! you actually created dangerous scales here....

Attachment 24502

First the finish is not sealed, but hey after Lynn's thread on getting the scales wet, only half of us care anyway :rofl2: :D....

The pivot pin is not adjustable and I mean anyway possible, it looks like somebody took an adjustable pin and filed it off I will know for sure in about an hour when I rip them down.... So the blade will just get loose and flop around soon..
The worst part, is look closely at the bottom of the scales, see the heel protruding out!!!!! That is just WRONG!!!! that is dangerous.... Learn what you are doing, and do it right.... :rant: Sorry for the rant but somebody could get hurt here.... I really hope none of our members made these, and perhaps they were made for a different size razor and just stuck on here.... But be careful guys !!!!

I will be posting pics of the new scales soonest.....
05-08-2009, 03:04 AM
mbhodges

Yikes that is dangerous. Good luck with the rescale. I love those razors. I have a 7/8s and it is one of my top picks.
05-08-2009, 03:14 AM
JimR

Yikes indeed. I actually had a razor with the exact same problem. Not only did I very nearly get a gash in my finger, but the razor got itself nicked on the heel. (The razor is the Cornetta, actually, Glen...the one I PMed you about). Bad news bears, indeed.

So, off topically, are these guys actually worth that scratch? I'm wanting a Friodur after I missed one on Yahoo Auctions for $45... and I like those big blades.
05-08-2009, 03:23 AM
McWolf1969

As a newbie, these are the tips that i just cant get enough of. The advice is soooo appreciated. I would have never have caught that...with my lack of knowledge, im a pretty easy mark still...especially on ebay purchases.

Thanks.
05-08-2009, 03:31 AM
RayG

Quote:

Originally Posted by McWolf1969

As a newbie, these are the tips that i just cant get enough of. The advice is soooo appreciated. I would have never have caught that...with my lack of knowledge, im a pretty easy mark still...especially on ebay purchases.

Thanks.

Here's another tip: I've had a couple with this problem, with the heel peeking out of their original scales. In both cases, the problem was fixed by tightening the wedge pin.
05-08-2009, 03:32 AM
RayG

Can't wait to see what scales this one gets, G.

And what nickname it gets.:)
05-08-2009, 04:07 AM
gssixgun

4 Attachment(s)

The Wife named it the "Black Mamba"

Ok done with the new scales,, but first:

Yes the pivot pin was an adjustable pin (a screw) that had been filed down so it was left so that it could never have been tightened... If somebody had tried to tap it tight it would have bent and cracked the scales at the pivot....

I had this one planned out since I ordered it and had the scales for it layed up and ready to go so yes it was quick :D.... Shape, Drill, Fit, Polish, and Done, if you look close you can see that I also buffed the blade slightly too....

Here is the finished 8/8 Friodur Inox "Black Mamba" :cool:

Black and Silver marbled acrylic with Nickel Siver and SS hardware a black acylic wedge...
Guess what the blade dosn't come out the bottom anymore ;) and she balances right to the tang...

I am going to try and get her honed up and try a test shave tomorrow morning....

Attachment 24508

Attachment 24509

Attachment 24510

Attachment 24511
05-08-2009, 04:38 AM
OutlawSkinnyD

****ing brilliant
05-08-2009, 04:51 AM
RayG

Now that is BadAss
05-08-2009, 04:53 AM
RayG

While 'Bubinga' sounds LameAss :w
05-08-2009, 04:54 AM
Del1r1um

Wow glen, I LOVE those scales... is this one going to be a keeper (not that I could afford it anyway:D) very nice!
05-08-2009, 04:56 AM
gssixgun

Quote:

Originally Posted by RayG

While 'Bubinga' sounds LameAss :w

Ya know Ray you have a point I mean really if yer going to do Bubinga you use the "Qulited" stuff.....
05-08-2009, 05:00 AM
gssixgun

Quote:

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

Wow glen, I LOVE those scales... is this one going to be a keeper (not that I could afford it anyway:D) very nice!

I am really, really, going to try the two 8/8 for awhile this one and the Filly I just did, they are both for me... The question is how long will I keep them :D I just can't ever seem to grow fond of the bigger blades... This time I planned it out and customized them to my specs...So I am really trying hehehe...
05-08-2009, 05:11 AM
jakoblah

Awesome!
Really well done.
05-08-2009, 06:05 AM
Buddel

Very nice work:tu

The problem with the bubinga scales was, that they are pre-made in one-fits-all design:

Straight Razor Handle Bubinga wood for Blades up to 8/8 bei eBay.de: Shaving (endet 01.06.09 11:12:18 MESZ)

And like I always say, one-fits-all is in some cases a problem. This prefab handles will never fit, like custom scales, that are alignet of just one blade. Especially the 8/8 Friodurs are blades, that are different to most of the other blades out there in some points.
05-08-2009, 06:56 AM
ben.mid

That looks fantastic Glen. I've got the 7/8, & it's big. I hear the 8/8 are HUGE! Good luck with them & i hope you grow to love them this time!
05-08-2009, 07:00 AM
Leighton

It looks awesome! The scales match the blade perfectly.
05-08-2009, 11:58 AM
onimaru55

Not my preferred size but nonetheless a work of art.
That black acrylic rocks :rock:
05-08-2009, 12:03 PM
coachmike

Beautiful choice of scales. The design and material allow that razor the classy look it deserves. Very nice indeed.
05-08-2009, 12:19 PM
gssixgun

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddel

Very nice work:tu

The problem with the bubinga scales was, that they are pre-made in one-fits-all design:

Straight Razor Handle Bubinga wood for Blades up to 8/8 bei eBay.de: Shaving (endet 01.06.09 11:12:18 MESZ)

And like I always say, one-fits-all is in some cases a problem. This prefab handles will never fit, like custom scales, that are alignet of just one blade. Especially the 8/8 Friodurs are blades, that are different to most of the other blades out there in some points.

I think you nailed it Buddel, those sure look like them, except the pivot pin.....
05-08-2009, 12:54 PM
smokelaw1

Glen,
WOW! That is an outstanding piece of work!
8/8 is just about my favorite size right now. (actually, I think I have settled on 15/16, but hey, I'm not picky.)

If you do decide to part with this, I'll gladly take her off your hands. Thanks for sharing.
05-08-2009, 01:04 PM
0livia

Love those scales! :tu
05-08-2009, 01:12 PM
JimR

Amazing...truly gorgeous work, Glen. It never ceases to amaze me.
05-08-2009, 02:02 PM
TheBeardedCommodore

Wow those scales are amazing. Great job. Salute
05-08-2009, 02:58 PM
sparq

A slick black mamba indeed! Nice job Glen.
05-08-2009, 03:04 PM
Englishgent

Manly!......
05-08-2009, 04:05 PM
Big Red

I think one of your better scale shapes, and lvoe the material. I cut my thumb tip on a razor that protruded from the bottom. it was original scales but a 9/8" and just too big for them.

Red
05-08-2009, 04:38 PM
TOB9595

WOnderful warnings with pics up front...Thanks for that.
I'll now be more aware.

The BLACK MAMBA is aptly named...lovely art
A piece that I would be proud to have in my hand

Tom
05-08-2009, 04:57 PM
floppyshoes

Glen, I'm disappointed in you. Acrylic? Come on, the last thing we need is another great restorist wasting their skills on plastic. :P

Otherwise you did well.
05-08-2009, 05:10 PM
gssixgun

Quote:

Originally Posted by floppyshoes

Glen, I'm disappointed in you. Acrylic? Come on, the last thing we need is another great restorist wasting their skills on plastic. :P

Restorist ???? Hmmmmm is that like calling a Gunslinger a Shootist????

I think I rather like that title :)
05-08-2009, 05:59 PM
Fnord5

I accidentally made a set of scales that allowed the heel to poke through.
The scales actually were poorly made, and a bit too short from the get go, but I didn't want to waste.

I solved my problem by adding a third pin, and now it works just fine.

Good work by the way, I am nowhere near that good yet...
But I keep trying. :D
05-12-2009, 03:26 PM
AceBuckeye

Man that looks nice, think I'll listen to Back in Black at lunch time after seeing this one !! :rock:
05-12-2009, 04:23 PM
cannonfodder

I have rescaled a good 20 of those. The blade is huge, a good quarter inch longer than most. I have to make special sized scales just for them. That guys pin job look like hell as well. I have not worked any acrylic yet but I have been thinking long and hard about it. Any issue with heat on a bandsaw melting the plastic?
05-12-2009, 04:38 PM
gssixgun

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

I have not worked any acrylic yet but I have been thinking long and hard about it. Any issue with heat on a bandsaw melting the plastic?

Heat is an issue on everything you do with this stuff, from the re-saw for sizing to the buffer with plastic polish..... You just take it a little at a time and deal with it....

Just like everything else we do with these things you start and work your way through the problems, same way you did with the Epoxy finishes when you started that for everybody.....