Thread: Alex Jacques Custom Damascus

Alex Jacques fully custom Damascus (pattern welded steel) straight razor, ~15/16”, wedge/quarter hollow grind (I don’t like knit-picking grinds, see photos 5-8 below), thin carbon fiber 6k weave scales, G11 wedge. The Damascus was custom made by the well known knifemaker and damascus producer Delbert Ealy. It is an O1/L6 combination ideal for straight razors. The pivot pin is made of a barrel pivot with torx screws. The scales are thin, UV resistant carbon fiber and feel GREAT in hand.

A NOTE on the Photos below: Keep in mind that these photos are pre-honing (the edge in the photos looks thick/blemished doesn’t it? lol). Along the edge of the razor you may notice a shiny strip where the steel is not etched though- this is not the honed bevel, but rather a section where I used a ‘resist’ to keep the etch from bringing out the pattern in the steel. Some makers argue that this makes it easier to hone a good edge and prevents the etching process from pitting the edge of the razor. After honing, I found no real need for it. I probably will not do this on future razors, but on this particular piece, it does not affect the razor’s functionality or aesthetics in any way.

Killer job Alex. If that was mine I would call it the Black Beauty.

Wow, that's stunning, Alex. Very well done, Sir

Back in Black Alex....Good work...

That is a fearsome looking piece. Well, there's another maker on the list of people I need custom razors from!

Way to go! That is beautiful design and execution.

I have been waiting for you would start posting your own creations. It was worth the wait.

Charlie

So awesome! Always like CF. This reminds me of Tu Nero F430. Exotic, menacing and beaut to boot.

Hows balance Alex? Thanks

Thanks everyone!

Originally Posted by DerekC

You say the C/F feels great in-hand? Is the weighting thrown off?

Originally Posted by SiRed8

Hows balance Alex? Thanks

The weight/balance is great. It's not thrown off or anything. It does balance on your finger at the tang or whatever, but I'm not a believer that that means anything anyway. The balance point is always changing depending on the angle and position of the scales anyway. Really, a blade will only be off balance with super heavy scales. Light weight scales, as long as they are in proportion and done well, really make no negative impact.

Originally Posted by ignatz

Just out of mild curiousity, what was the etching medium (acid?) and how long did the blade remain in the bath?

Ferric Chloride. I can't tell you exactly how long the etching was- it's a trial and error thing until you have the feel for it. Basically, I didn't have the clock timing it lol.

Originally Posted by Philadelph

Alex Jacques fully custom Damascus (pattern welded steel) straight razor, ~15/16”, wedge/quarter hollow grind
..........

Beautiful. How does it shave?
I love those scales.

I have a Damascus folding pocket that takes a wicked
sharp edge.....

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

How does it shave?

See post #25 above.

Thanks again guys. More on the way.