11/16 Joseph Smith in original bone

[Malacoda]

Can't really explain why, but when this old, 11/16 Joseph Smith in bone arrived as part of an ebay lot last year, it really grabbed hold of me despite my preference for blades 7/8 and larger.

Judging by the size and shape of the tang, along with the quality/characteristics of the steel, I believe it's a rather early Jos. Smith - maybe 1830s-1840s?

Anyhow, regardless of what its age may actually be, I wanted to keep as much of its simple, clean, antique look and feel as I could while still making it feel 'fresh out of the box' and snug and secure on its pivot. So...

• Original bone scales (even kept an ever-so-slight hint of the 'R' initial some scratched into it as a tantalizing little tease for the more discerning eye)
• Original lead wedge
• Kept 1 or 2 little pits near the makers mark on the front of the shank as well as an original pin-head sized imperfect on the back of the shank
• new brass pins and washers
• added thrust washers

It took a wonderful edge and shaves like a champ.

Here are the before and after picks (the Boker below it will probably be my next project):