Thread: File transfomation with "cracked ice" shank

That is very cool! I wonder what would happen if you tried hard to do it! Nice!

Outstanding, Gabor. As a proud owner of your craftsmanship, I can truly say that razor makes me swoon!

I think the tendency to produce cracks in the edge would be minimised by holding the blade horizontal, and putting it into the water spine first. Edge cracks are frequently caused by tension, the shrinking back pulling on the edge which is already shrunken and hard, because the inside is closer to the outside in thin metal. So it makes sense to start the back off first. It does no harm if that stretches the red-hot, soft edge.

If it is possible to pick up the blade in flat and perhaps copper-lined tongs, which cover the flat or evenly tapered tang, it might prevent that crazing. I agree it looks different and interesting, but the trouble is, we don't know how deep the cracks go, and they might be a source of weakness or place for rust to start. It would be reassuring if a couple of hundredths of an inch with a diamond hone were to get to the bottom of them.

That looks awesome! A razor isn't under a lot of stress when shaving so hopefully nothing bad will happen to it in future. I've never quenched 1095 in cold water before but I might have a bash at some stage after seeing this, you might be onto something here!

Love the whole package, the timber scales and the cracked steel have the whole rustic, old-worldy feel. Really nice.

Buddel, I like your sense of style and daring. You took what the world considers a flaw and turned it into a feature.

The Japanese sword world has long recognized the difference between fatal and non fatal flaws in a blade (kizu). A perfectly serviceable edge is still a good edge no matter what it's hanging from.

Originally Posted by Caledonian

I agree it looks different and interesting, but the trouble is, we don't know how deep the cracks go, and they might be a source of weakness or place for rust to start. It would be reassuring if a couple of hundredths of an inch with a diamond hone were to get to the bottom of them.

From what I´m can see the cracks are not very deep. If so, I think the razor wouldn´t overlived the hardening. I did here a tripple hardening to be sure, the shank is stable. But if there will be a rust or other problem with the razor in the future, I will give the buyer a full refund. So he has no risk at all.

That razor has your signature style, beautiful. I am so sorry I missed out on the 3 you put up for sale!

I saw that and just had to visit your website. Fabulous work that I'm sure I'll never be able to afford, but I'll be thinking about it anyway.

Excellent work Gabor. Glad you carried these through to the end as these little things give the razor character IMHO.