First time working with horn (S.Bright & Helj)

I've always been content to use razors in their original scales and because of that I've really only made one set of scales in my past out of acrylic. The past few weekends I took my tools outside and decided to finally put some blades in new scales.

First is a Heljestrand I won more than a year ago (original thread) that came in ivory scales that were broken at the pivot. I used the template of the original scales, cleaned up the razor (still some pits, though), and put it in black horn scales with the original spacer polished up. This was my first go with horn.

Before:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...elj-scales.jpg

After:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...eljestrand.jpg

Next is a S. Bright & Co. wedge that I picked up not too long ago (original thread) that was in wooden scales too small for the razor and consequently the razor stuck out of the bottom. Again, black horn and I tried my hand at two pins in the pearl acrylic wedge. This one is a nice smiling wedge that will probably be going to the hones this week.

Before:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...right-co-2.jpg

After:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...ght-brilho.jpg

So they both look nice and shiny and I'm quite proud of myself. Far from perfect, of course, but my mistakes were subtle and only affect aesthetics (and my OCD). Live and learn.

Enjoy, and feedback is always welcome.

They look great.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by commiecat

So they both look nice and shiny and I'm quite proud of myself. Far from perfect, of course, but my mistakes were subtle and only affect aesthetics (and my OCD). Live and learn.

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I cannot see any flaws from here, they look really nice and smooth! Nicely done.

Wondeful attention to the steel. The scales turned out right on too :tu

They look great! Keep up the good work.

Commiecat, that second set of horn scales on the S. Bright look incredible. I like the sturdy look of the three pins as well. Great job on the whole thing actually.

I haven't worked with horn yet, did you enjoy the process?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Maxi

I haven't worked with horn yet, did you enjoy the process?

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I enjoyed the result. :) I read up posts by Max, Glen and others, and Brad's restoration videos really helped in regards to manipulating the horn. For me the frustration was in getting the scales straight and the Helj wasn't perfectly flat on the insides so there's a paper-width gap in a spot at the wedge.

Got much better with the S. Bright. Used double-sided carpet tape to keep the scales together during sanding and that helped (or it was just a better blank, still not sure).

My first few tries with horn really discouraged me but now I think I have the right tools and technique so future ones should be much easier.

Those turned out very nice! Good work.

It doesn't look like your first time with horn!! Congrats on a great job. Keep em coming.