Thread: These are the first razors I have made?

Originally Posted by HNSB

Your scales are too wide, and the spines look to be too narrow for proper honing of blades that large.
The workmanship looks nice.

They look fantastic, but may lack in the function department. The correct blade geometry will be necessary to hone a strong edge. Other than that beautiful pieces. The only other thing that stood out were you pins. If you could get those smoother, that would really look nice.

I will be keeping an eye out for your next piece.

The main problem in my eyes with these is the steel. Damasteel and ATS 34 would never be my first choice for straight razors. Damasteel is a powder metallurgy steel, not bad für a kitchen or a hunting knife, but not as fine grained, as a high carbon steel or a pattern welded steel from such steels. Same with ATS-34 (or 154CM), if you really want to use a stainless steel for straight razors, please take AEB-L with the right heat treatment. For more information about this special, steel look here: FAQ | DevinThomas.com | Damascus & Custom Knives

WOW the craftsmanship on those blades are just awesome

Just a quick note.......

1. I like your work. It is very good for a "first" razor.

2. Blade proportions...... Spazola gave you the first concrete suggestion, 16 degrees angle.
Here is the rough rule of thumb....the thickness of the spine multiplied by 3.5 up to 4.0 will equal the maximum width of the blade. As an example, if the thickness of the spine is 1/4" then the maximum width of the blade will be between 7/8" up to 1". This will result in a bevel which is narrow and easier to hone and also stronger.
As you have now experienced first hand a razor with a thin spine and a wide blade width results in a difficult, time consuming to hone razor with a wide bevel. It is also prone to micro-chipping at the higher grits such as 8000+. Also, try to keep the HRC between 58 - 61. below 58 and the steel is to soft to hold an edge and above 61 ( actually 60) and it becomes difficult to hone.

Hope this helps,

What can I say fellows? Your input is /will be invaluable and I will surely use it in my next batch. Its a good thing I didn't post the RWL blades they are only 3mm thick on the spines???

To start answering:
VictorM - Re the pins on the bone handle- I liked the rustic look of pins that had been peened and were sitting proud, it was also an exercise in peening 2mm copper pins which went quite well. I hear what you say about the smooth look of the pins and appreciate your input. Thanks.

Buddel - Not sure I agree with you on the Damasteel grain size? I will definitely look into this and do some research into this area. I will get back to you on this. As far as I understand the whole thing about RSPS is that the grain size is very small in fact smaller than the 12C27's etc?

Randydance062449 - PM sent! Thank you for the information. You are spot on with the honing it literally took me about 4 hours to get that bone blade to "hair popping" I really appreciate the input Thank you.

To everyone who has commented: THANK YOU GUYS: I had to start somewhere and what better place to get advice. Thank you for the compliments and the constructive criticism I will start on new blades this weekend and keep you posted. Razors are definitely a lot of fun to make, I must say I enjoyed making these guys to the max!

Take care

Chris.

Keep at it Chris,you have some very envious talents.

if you look at the old frame-backs you see the thin blade with what looks like an attached tube on the spine. years ago blade smiths was working on a slip on tube to protect his thinner spines and pretty steel work. a simple way to get the spine width without all the heavy steel all the time.

jim

They look AWESOME for a first try, the tangs look a bit thin and the way you have your spines might end up getting your cutting edge into a "frown" other than that those are relics because they are your first razors and you seem to have GREAT SKILLS!!! keep it up!!!

Your talent is top notch. The experts said what needed said as to functionality, but just wanted to say "Great job!". I'm very impressed with what you've done. But yeah, I'm a little surprised you never thought about shaving with one. Then again I shave with one everyday, and never thought about making one. So there you go.

Chris, nice looking work. You have the fit and finish looking good. Like the copper pins. You have heard the criticisms. 16 degrees included angle (ish). I suspect this angle can vary a bit with steel choice, just as with knives. Finer steel grain is better for a finer cutting edge.

Jeff