01 + bamboo convex

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...ST_2009_01.jpg

what I'm shaving with these days.

So did you make this razor? Tell us more about it.......

This razor is hand forged from o1 carbon tool steel. It was triple quenched and normalized to around 62 HRC. the handle is bamboo with nickle silver pins. It's a slight bit over 6 " when closed. The blade is 3.5 Inch in length X 12/16 in width at the tip convex, hand polished and honed. A pleasure to shave with.

Awesome.

Do you mean the blade grind itself is convex, as opposed to concave, like most other razors?

Yes, it is.

That is one really good looking blade, I love the profile.
Tell us more about the grind,
way cool!!

Charlie

Not much more to say really. It's convex so it takes a bit of doing to grind and hone properly if you are not used to this kind of a geometry.

Beautiful. Would make a great limited series ...

How is the balance with bamboo scales? I always thought they would look good, but wondered about maybe being too light...

Thats awsome looking, everthing about it. Could you post a pic of the section of the blade to show the grind?

Very interesting look. Other than aesthetically speaking, would you say there are any advantages to a convex grind in comparison to a concave grind and if so, what would they be in your opinion?

Thanks.

Chris L

I like this look however it brings up an interesting question. If this convex shape works well then why are razors shaped concave? I know I am not very knowledgeable on the shape of razors and why they are the way they are. But to me this is an interesting question. It sure would eliminate a ton of grinding. Hmmmmmmm let's think "out of the box" on this one.

http://i207.photobucket.com/albums/b...titled-1-1.jpg

Not the highest quality image I'm afraid - the conditions are a bit adverse here at the moment.

The Bamboo scales ARE very light. For me this is a plus because I prefer to derive the balance from the blade rather than the scales which are sort of "just hanging there" between my second and third fingers. Naturally, this is a matter of personal preference. I'm sure there are others who would prefer a much heavier set of scales.

I think the real added benefit of true concave grinds kicks in when hand sharpening & honing is involved - especially in the hands of beginners or folks who simply don't do a lot of sharpening and honing. The geometry of a true-hollow will aid in keeping a constant angle to the plane almost intuitively - while a convex will require very steady and deliberate angle management.

I dont think the particular geometry of the grind has anything to do with the sharpness of the blade. Hair splitting sharp is hair splitting sharp - isn't it?

Hi Alchemist,

Nice blade indeed. Is it a zero ground blade? By that I mean is it one continuous convex all the way to the cutting edge, or is it a convex grind with a v-grind microbevel?

Convex grinds, zero grinds and convex edges are what I do all the time on hunting knives and big choppers, and I can tell you that it takes some skill to pull off a wicked sharp zero grind blade on a big knife let alone something like a straight razor. I applaud you for jumping out there and being different. I love it!

I have not yet attempted it on a straight razor, but you can bet I will.

Nice job Alchemist!

I would say that it has a V type micro bevel, because it was honed on flat stones and then stropped on a wood mounted leather (as opposed to a hanging strop). I think if I strop it on a hanging strop later on it will, over time, become a zero.

Very nice work, especially the grinding. :)