Thread: Monster wedge build

Originally Posted by Sasquatch

That's what I reckon, for an all round workhorse I aim for around 56-58 and a carver is over 60. Anyone know what a razor should be taken down to then? The heat treat is easy, no need for knowing temps, just a nice big magnet. It seems to be the tempering where the magic takes place for a decent edge with carbon steel...any idea how long to temper at 400 Skipnord? I really am curious, like many knifemakers I want to have a go at razors myself soon. Any advice would be appreciated!

58-60 I think will be fine.

Thanks for that, that's easily done!

Originally Posted by ateallthepies

A couple more questions if I can?

Is there a minimum angle that will produce a good shave or should I try to get the finest edge I can? I am not too sure how successful my heat treating was but do the razors have to be as hard as possible or do they need a bit of tempering?

Have ordered a 10,000 grit Naniwa stone and some chromium oxide so will see if I can improve the edge.

Steve.

I would say 16 degrees +- one or two depending on the steel and the heat treat. It is an interesting razor and a good start. This is what it is all about, build, learn, and refine. Cool razor.

Charlie

For your honing, consider making it into a frameback. That'd save you at least some of the grinding to hollow it, though you might still need to hollow it close to the edge.

Or just make yourself a thingamy-bob to slide onto the spine when honing. My Bruno custom came with one and it works a treat.

James.

Thanks all for the advice, I think I will grind the convex shape out to a more hollow style to help me when I do a proper hone when my new stone comes.

Will update any progress as and when.

Steve.

Originally Posted by Sasquatch

That's what I reckon, for an all round workhorse I aim for around 56-58 and a carver is over 60. Anyone know what a razor should be taken down to then? The heat treat is easy, no need for knowing temps, just a nice big magnet. It seems to be the tempering where the magic takes place for a decent edge with carbon steel...any idea how long to temper at 400 Skipnord? I really am curious, like many knifemakers I want to have a go at razors myself soon. Any advice would be appreciated!

Hi Sasquatch
I would go for around 2 hours. Some folks say to let it cool, and give it a second round. I did mine with Mike Blue in his molten salt setup, so tempering is part of the quenching process - 400 degree salt quench. I'm going to try using 400 degree peanut oil when I heat treat at home.