Thread: First resto - Frederick Reynolds w/pics

Originally Posted by VeeDubb65

On a side note, the how-to on wax finishing in the wiki is missing a VERY important step.

For most woods, soaking the scales in hot wax will raise the grain, so if you stop at the end of the how-to, you'll be left with a very rough surface on many woods.

The solution is to either sand them very lightly with 600 grit or higher sandpaper, or hit them VERY lightly with 000 or 0000 steel wool after the scales cool, then another dip in the wax.

We would all like to thank Steve after he finishes adding this important step to the Wiki as soon as he gets the chance....

Congrats on your first & nice job making your own celluloid wedge
Were the original scales toast ? The side you show looks ok. Maybe useful for another project.?

Originally Posted by gssixgun

We would all like to thank Steve after he finishes adding this important step to the Wiki as soon as he gets the chance....

lol, good call.

I've updated the Wiki here Finishing scales using wax - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Congrats on your first Veedubb! It looks pretty good, and I bet it shaves even better.

I like the lacewood scales - they are well formed, and visually as well as physically balance the blade. Did you use a template, or did you freehand it? I also think the glued picks are a great idea.

Have you tried buffing the wax to get a glossier finish, or do you like the matte finish better?

I do have one suggestion: I see you have a doming block. I think that domed washers and pins would compliment your scale work better, and enhance the overall look of the razor. I'm confident you can do a great job making your own pins!

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Congrats on your first & nice job making your own celluloid wedge
Were the original scales toast ? The side you show looks ok. Maybe useful for another project.?

They were actually cracked in several places, and ugly as sin. They were home made wooden scales that had been painted black with model paint if I was to guess. They were also WAY to large for that razor. They've gone in the trash

Originally Posted by mrbhagwan

Congrats on your first Veedubb! It looks pretty good, and I bet it shaves even better.

I like the lacewood scales - they are well formed, and visually as well as physically balance the blade. Did you use a template, or did you freehand it? I also think the glued picks are a great idea.

Have you tried buffing the wax to get a glossier finish, or do you like the matte finish better?

I do have one suggestion: I see you have a doming block. I think that domed washers and pins would compliment your scale work better, and enhance the overall look of the razor. I'm confident you can do a great job making your own pins!

I made the scales by tracing the Henckels that's in my daily rotation, then freehanded the end a bit longer. Once I had them shaped, I checked the balance by pushing the pins through and feeling the balance in hand. Then I adjusted as needed. Fortunately, I was pretty close the first time.


The finish is as glossy as it's going to get. Instead of parafin or carnuba, I used beeswax. It makes for a much more matte finish, but it let's the grain of the wood come through more. I'm happy with that choice for the lacewood. On the mahogany ones I worked on, not so happy and I'll probably get something else to seal them.


As far as the pins, you're 100% right. Ive got one more set of the dovo relacement pins, but I'll be making my own after this. They were a crutch because I was a little intimidated by making pins. Now that I've done it a few times, I can see that it's really not that tough, so I'll be making my own.

Originally Posted by VeeDubb65

They were actually cracked in several places, and ugly as sin. They were home made wooden scales that had been painted black with model paint if I was to guess. They were also WAY to large for that razor. They've gone in the trash
.

And here I was fantasizing they were buffalo horn

lol. If it makes you feel any better, I thought the same thing before the razor came out of the display case at the antique store. Unfortunately, there was no question at all once I was able to look at them in-hand.

hhmm that lace wood looks like i have seen it before. lol, very nice job on the scales. i cant wait to get a chance to work with the wood. again really nice and keep on working. good luck