Keen Kutter in American Redwood

I got this blade in a lot of restoration bits, and it was in pretty rough shape- as you can see, some very deep pitting. I wanted a razor to practice honing on, and that I would feel comfortable loaning out to people to learn with, and I thought this would fit the bill. I used 400 grit to get the worst of the scratches and discoloration off, then put a 600 grit satin finish on it. I left the pits and some stains, and figure this is the John Wayne of razors...

The scales are a somewhat novel design I came up with this summer. I wasn't sure if the shape or the wood would work, and there were definitely some things I would do differently....

But pretty good for a dorm room project, if I say so myself....and I can balance it on my tungsten file!

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...6/IMG_1038.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...6/IMG_1039.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...6/IMG_1048.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...6/IMG_1049.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...6/IMG_1052.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...6/IMG_1053.jpg

http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j2...6/IMG_1054.jpg

BK, that is way too cool! Those scales are awesome!Very colonial look to them. Love the balancing act.

Yeah that is the word "Colonial"
Good thing Kelly came up with it because I would have struggled for an hour looking for the right one :)

Gotta love the balancing pic

Very nice scales!

Your work on the scales and pinning looks well done! I'm anxious to see your future projects! Keep up the good work.

Ben, very interesting shape of scales. Keep it up.

Colonial... another term we can add to our repertoire :)

Thanks for sharing.

:tu

I like those scales a lot, but I must be thinking about music - in that first picture of them I was reminded of a cello, and yes I like cellos.

Very nice and very original! :tu And is that a metal wedge too? Bonus points!

I've been struggling for a descriptor for the scales myself, so I'm glad we've found a name. :) I still don't know if I really like them, or really think they were better left on graph paper. But they're growing on me, and they were good practice with curves and shaping...

The wedge is actually walnut, but the high-gloss finish does make it look like lead or steel. My next project is a huge old Joseph Elliot wedge, and I'm thinking about making a mold and casting a lead wedge for it... more as this develops.

Thanks all for your comments and suggestions. :D

Congrats from the "colony" downunder :) Your scale design is well named.
Well done on knowing when to stop sanding too. That's often the difference between "tin foil" & a useable razor.

your imagination is great keep it up. i have never seen double sided handle??? great Balance.