“Adventures in Bobland...or, Making teaching aids for Mr. Allman”
Armed with an unshakeable faith in the local laundry and fully paid medical insurance, I ventured into Bobland. Yes folks, that mystical land that produces some of the finest razors this side of the International Date Line!
First, let me state that Bob Allman has the patience of Jobe! He directed me skillfully and managed to accomplish several things:
- Instruct me in how to make a razor
- Ensure I would not need the assistance of trained medical personnel.
- Instruct me on the proper operation of his equipment without trashing said equipment.
- Show me where to get the finest Beef Tongue Tacos this side of the border.
It took two days, but I managed to complete an 8/8 oblique point razor with a satin finish. Jimps on the bottom of the tang and two sets of jimps on the top. Full hollow grind. Since Bob had been working with Giraffe Bone, why, it only seemed reasonable to do the same. The wedge in the scales is brushed aluminum. Torx secured the three pin scales.
Dirtier than bar room floozie, I drove home with my prize! Tired, but proud, I spent the rest of the evening honing this bad boy. Setting the bevel with the 1K I worked up through 4K/8K on my Norton hones and finished with a 12K Naniwa. Not wanting to stop there (hey, when your hit by OCD, one never stoops to half measures!), I stropped with .5 then .25 micron diamond paste and finished off with a TM latigo strop.
My butt dragged in the shower, then..... the shave! Dr Hill Arlinton soap and A/S of Trumper's Marlborough (Christmas gift from my sister). Results?
First off, I still fairly new at this game, starting shaving with straight in early November. The largest blade used was a 6/8. The 8/8 is quite different. Being tired and a virgin to the 8/8, I took my time and was a bit cautious. Not my best shave, but not because of the razor. I rate it as one of my earlier shaves, perhaps around week 2, no nicks or cuts, but my chin not smooth. The blade was fabulous. I did have some awkward moments shaving my upper lip. Thatsa bigga blade, by golly!
Now an epilogue: Bob warned me but to no avail. I ruined two perfectly useable pieces of steel in a matter of a few seconds. I didn't screw up just one, oh no, I had to do better than that! I totally ruined two of these blades! (I'm nothing if not thorough). On the positive side, I can always be used as a bad example! Bob now has some excellent teaching aids to accentuate his points of caution!
Pictures? Hah! Too darn tired, I'm going to bed! It's 11:15pm. You shall have to tune in for the second segment of this wonderful adventure series. Tune in tomorrow, same place (different time) to see in glorious living color part two: “The Spectacle of the Grind!”
"The Spectacle of the Grind"
OK folks, first off, I wish to state I am not a photographer, and I have a crummy camera. So please accept my apologies on the quality of the pictures.
So without further fanfare, here are some pics of my first completed straight razor build.
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...4/dscn1361.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...4/dscn1355.jpg
http://i226.photobucket.com/albums/d...4/dscn1363.jpg
