Thread: 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

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.

Excellent entirely functional point.

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.

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!!! 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.