Thread: Joseph Smith & Sons in purpleheart

This is a 13/16", about half-hollow, Joseph Smith and Sons razor from the World's Columbian Exposition, also known as the 1893 Chicago Worlds Fair. I did the scales in Purpleheart and the wedge in ebony. Didn't want to go too hard on polishing the blade with the etching, so I left the metal relatively untouched under 1000 grit.






This is my second complete restoration, and if there is something I wish I would have paid more attention to it is the fit of the wedge. I ended up gluing the wedge to one side of the scales, which allowed me to get that seamless transition... on one side. I am hesitant to glue both sides, lest I need to do something to the inside of the scales for some reason. I will be researching some options here after I cook some dinner with the wife.

Good looking result!!! Nice job with a very historic blade.

Very nice save of an antique razor. New life!

Very nicely done - I like the way the scale shape matches the spine while closed, and of course that etching is sweet too!

That is a very nice job there. Now, I'm no expert (just a long-time hobbyist) but I read that you had wedge transition issues, (you did a fine job by the way) and if you really want to be particular on the next one, I suggest placing the wedge before lacquering with the wedge sticking out of the scales some. It helps if you glue it in, on both sides. Then, you can sand the wedge and the scales down as one, giving you that perfectly seamless look you want. After you spray lacquer, just use a Q-tip to wipe off your pins. I do not suggest this method if you are using epoxy resin.

Originally Posted by joenasarino

That is a very nice job there. Now, I'm no expert (just a long-time hobbyist) but I read that you had wedge transition issues, (you did a fine job by the way) and if you really want to be particular on the next one, I suggest placing the wedge before lacquering with the wedge sticking out of the scales some. It helps if you glue it in, on both sides. Then, you can sand the wedge and the scales down as one, giving you that perfectly seamless look you want. After you spray lacquer, just use a Q-tip to wipe off your pins. I do not suggest this method if you are using epoxy resin.

I have been using superglue to finish my razors. I have considered finishing the insides of the scales, then gluing the wedge onto both scales and finishing the outside of the razor. The only thing I am afraid of is something going awry, causing me to have to break the wedge out somehow or start over. I just got my order from microfasteners so hopefully I will be able to get the razor mocked up a little better, and get a good joint between the scales and wedge.

Congrats & good choice on saving the etch.
The wedge just needs to mate properly with the scales to avoid gaps but finishing in place with microfasteners will help to get that flush look.

Not too bad at all Beautiful looking old blade..great choice in saving the etch.

Originally Posted by joenasarino

That is a very nice job there. Now, I'm no expert (just a long-time hobbyist) but I read that you had wedge transition issues, (you did a fine job by the way) and if you really want to be particular on the next one, I suggest placing the wedge before lacquering with the wedge sticking out of the scales some. It helps if you glue it in, on both sides. Then, you can sand the wedge and the scales down as one, giving you that perfectly seamless look you want. After you spray lacquer, just use a Q-tip to wipe off your pins. I do not suggest this method if you are using epoxy resin.

Originally Posted by adbuett

I have been using superglue to finish my razors. I have considered finishing the insides of the scales, then gluing the wedge onto both scales and finishing the outside of the razor. The only thing I am afraid of is something going awry, causing me to have to break the wedge out somehow or start over. I just got my order from microfasteners so hopefully I will be able to get the razor mocked up a little better, and get a good joint between the scales and wedge.

Gluing in the wedge is a one option, but proper fit and finish might be better in the long run..

Whether anything goes wrong or not, you are eliminating a flexing point for the scales, and an adjustment point later on..

Vintage razors have all the various options, so there is no right or wrong really, just giving you some thoughts

On the vintage ones you will find:
One piece
One side attached
Both sides attached
Neither side attached (by far the predominant system)

I have just started the finishing of my current restoration: ebony scales with an ebony wedge. I made a flattening thing out of some sandpaper glued to a flat piece of maple and worked a while at flattening the scales. I had some fairly thin pieces of ebony from when I goofed a cut while ripping stock so I used that to make the wedge. I used rubber cement and microfasteners to sturdily fix the wedge in position, sanded it down even to the scales, and hopefully after finishing with CA they will still fit well together.