Thread: Cleaning up the W&B

A buddy of mine once went to see John McLaughlin play. When he got back home, he wanted to throw his guitar out the window. Looking at some of the stunning work in here, I know how he feels...

Anyway, this is a W&B wedge that I made scales for some time ago. A colleague who was into woodworking used to give me the thin strips of wood he'd ripped from his workpieces in order to square them up, knowing that I could make scales out of them. I made these scales from such strips. The razor's oversized, raggedy, oblong pin hole has been an annoyance ever since I first put it together, because it allows the blade to wiggle radially during stropping in a very annoying way.

I decided to take it apart and fill the pin hole with epoxy and re-drill. I nicked the scales while filing the pin to take it apart, so I figured I'd take this opportunity to do a better job fitting up the wedge, and also re-finish the scales, since I know how to do these things better now.

These pics show the results of my efforts. Pic #2 really shows off the figuring in the wood.

Note that I deliberately avoid polishing my razors. It's a personal quirk. I like the patina--I like old things to look old.

Hey, to each their own, I'm liking it. Good work on those scales.

Be patient with this beautiful blade. It need no mirror finish!

i quite like your stands as well. smart idea

If you had acquired that razor in mint condition after finding it underneath a loose floor in some Victorian house, though, you'd probably be pretty happy about it.

That's because that's what they're supposed to look like. I dont' mind a bit of patina on older items. But this isn't an antique piece of furniture or something, but a tool for grooming.

Imagine going to the dentist or something and hearing the guy brag about the vintage dental equipment he picked up at an estate sale.

"Neat!" you say.

But then you see them arranged on the tray, and although fresh from sterilization, they have the look of that razor. I know I'd be requesting a more modern batch!

I personally like the patina too. The light coloured scales compliment the darkness of the blade, great choice.

I agree thats a fine razor I would be proud to own.Although seeing it on the sink my first thought was "I hope he's current on his tetanus shot". Please don't consider this a derogatory remark,but the caring thoughts of a friend. (for lack of better wording)

Very nice, I've just finished a very similar W&B and I have left the patina as is too.
G.