Wosty in Gembok - Want honest opinions

So I tried to do something different and I cannot decide whether I like it or not. I want you guys to give me your honest opinion on it ... whether you would have done something different, keep as is, whatever.
I started with...I'll call it a silver finial instead of bolster... that I wanted to incorporate into the scales. It would have been easier and I could have shaped it better with a thick piece of buffalo horn but all I had was piece of gemsbok. The gemsbok was not wide enough to do much with and it's difficult anyway with it's ridges.
I restored an interesting Wostenholm blade to use and went to work. Even tho the razor (scales) is really long, it balances pretty well. What I am thinking of doing (or trying to do) is to cut into the metal on one side so that the blade can sit further up and I can shorten the scale length.
As it sits right now, it resembles one of those old 18th century English razors that sport fancy bolsters and has that appeal. So before I attempt to alter what I've done, I thought I would throw it out to the group for some comments.
Thanks everyone!

I didn't like it in the open positions, but the last photo, closed, somehow that just worked for me.

I looked a the pic for a bit and I think the part that doesn't suit my taste is the ball at the end of the "silver finial". I think I would cut the ball off and use the rest of the "silver finial" as a bolster an use a silver wedge.

That being said you did a great job.

Very innovative, I really dig it.

Opinions are like me.... But:
I really like the look of it. The only thing I don't like is that it looks a little wide at the tang end and might be difficult to hone or strop.

I like the blade and its semi fluted spine. I understand the reminiscence of razors from the 1700s, of the cast steel type. That blade however, is from a different era, and in my opinion does not suit those scales. I think you need a narrower blade, because the shape to me is wrong.

And its still far better than I could have done. Take mY criticism subjectively with as many pinches of salt as you can. You did ask for my opinion.

It's a very stylish and completed work. I wouldn't change anything.

Jim HLS

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Originally Posted by HNSB

Opinions are like me.... But:
I really like the look of it. The only thing I don't like is that it looks a little wide at the tang end and might be difficult to hone or strop.

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Excellent entirely functional point.

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Originally Posted by Scipio

I like the blade and its semi fluted spine. I understand the reminiscence of razors from the 1700s, of the cast steel type. That blade however, is from a different era, and in my opinion does not suit those scales. I think you need a narrower blade, because the shape to me is wrong.

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I had this objection too. The scales evoke the earlier era and would be better suited, perhaps, at least to a blade with a straight spine.

I think it looks really cool. I wonder if the finial were split and moved forward? As a bolster? NICE JOB!!!! Very unique and excellent work/idea!!!:tu I can totally see it that way with the tang end of the scales slimmed down. Looks a little backwards in some aspects? Forgive me!

I think it's kind of cool. It does stray away from what we may consider "the norm", but it definitely has a unique look to it. I do agree with the comments concerning the worked spine. A straight spine may look slightly more appropriate.

Overall, I think you did a great job. I also prefer the "closed" picture to the "open" pictures.

It does lok pretty cool. This is my opinion of course...If you could split it so that the blade fit into it and the scales weren't so long as you'd mentioned and a bulkier pivot end just doesn't do it for me. But the general idea and over all look of it is kind of mideval looking...I like it.

OK! I am a traditionalist, but I think I would unpin it, Drill a pin hole in the silver just under the crown. I would then saw the finial in half. Then, I would shape the ball end like a regular scale, rounded. Pin that same blade in backward from what it is. Then cut off and redo the wedge end with a lead wedge! That way, every thing would flow and nothing would have to be "redone" ! Good balance as well! classic!
I dunno?:shrug: However, if you made the scales old school straight and slit/shortened it, that would be neat!

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

OK! I am a traditionalist, but I think I would unpin it, Drill a pin hole in the silver just under the crown. I would then saw the finial in half. Then, I would shape the ball end like a regular scale, rounded. Pin that same blade in backward from what it is. Then cut off and redo the wedge end with a lead wedge! That way, every thing would flow and nothing would have to be "redone" ! Good balance as well! classic!
I dunno?:shrug:

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Very good idea! I'm taking all of the constructive comments and decide what
changes to make. I am really enjoying this thread! Thank you everyone.

Thank YOU, Zomax, for putting it out there! However it ends up, it is sure to be nice!:rock:

OK, you asked for it, this just my opinion for whatever that is worth.
1) the finial is on the wrong end.

2) The blade is mounted/pivoting at the wrong end

3) It would look utterly fantastic if the blade were a stubtail

Please dont throw rocks at me, I bruise too easily, thank you.
I think Sharptonns idea would be a great improvement.

Intrigued
I like the front. Long, silver and solid is a nice direction. I like the extra straight length there, if it really isn't killing the weight. Also like the fat rugged horn at the rear, but for me the two are dissimilar too much and some how get distracted looking at it from front to rear.

If I were to play around with it, I think I would round out the rear of the scales narrower. Making more uniformly cylindrical, and straight, almost dowel like. It might work tapered cone like too, but think keeping it straight will keep the rustic elegance of it.

Re-pin to bring the blade in tighter to the front. Not necessarily to shorten the front length, but to have more horn behind the pivot pin. I suppose problem left is the original pin hole would need to be filled.

My .02
BTW very nice blade too!

Hey Steve, I'm going to go another route. I would epoxy the blade solid into the scales, then grind the spine down until only 1/4" or a little less shown above the scales. What you have now is a very cool looking "Yawara stick". A classy gents self defense tool. The steel finial on one end, the smaller monkey tail on the other and steel re-inforced Gembok in the middle...Hell, I'd love to have one!!!
Bob

:matrix:

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

OK, you asked for it, this just my opinion for whatever that is worth.
1) the finial is on the wrong end.

2) The blade is mounted/pivoting at the wrong end

3) It would look utterly fantastic if the blade were a stubtail

Please dont throw rocks at me, I bruise too easily, thank you.
I think Sharptonns idea would be a great improvement.

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I know what the weak points are with the razor and I realize that I
hadn't taken everything into consideration when starting the project. I was concentrated on getting the metal piece right and really had no other plan. By the way, the finial is a piece of broken fork from our daily silverware ;) But I am happy to hear everyone's thoughts and not a lot of "good job - well done" comments. I will make some revisions and be back for further scrutiny.
~Steve

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Originally Posted by boballman

Hey Steve, I'm going to go another route. I would epoxy the blade solid into the scales, then grind the spine down until only 1/4" or a little less shown above the scales. What you have now is a very cool looking "Yawara stick". A classy gents self defense tool. The steel finial on one end, the smaller monkey tail on the other and steel re-inforced Gembok in the middle...Hell, I'd love to have one!!!
Bob


:matrix:

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Sure!! I'll make that up for you and swap it for an OCD??

[QUOTE=Zomax;74431. By the way, the finial is a piece of broken fork from our daily silverware ;)
~Steve[/QUOTE]

Man! You must set a fine table! I was looking at antique silverware a while back at an antique store and had a thought on this sort of thing! Glad to see someone act on it. Perhaps you have started something!:beer1:

I like the re-visit better!! Thanks
Respectfully
~Richard