Thread: My First Custom J.W. Whitham

Hi, new to the forum, this my first attempt at customising a razor. I bought the razor in average condition, it is a J.W Whitham Manufacture Shefield 1/4 hollow grind, the blade was rusty and the spine has grind marks from previous sharpening attempts, very loose fit in the scales also. The scales are good they just need a freshen up, not sure what knid of wood. So far I have re-shaped the tip and added finger groves on the tang, still deciding whether or not to do some file work on the spine. Feel free to comment, I appreaciate criticism good and bad.

Nice work!

Originally Posted by Nate02

Hi, new to the forum, this my first attempt at customising a razor. I bought the razor in average condition, it is a J.W Whitham Manufacture Shefield 1/4 hollow grind, the blade was rusty and the spine has grind marks from previous sharpening attempts, very loose fit in the scales also. The scales are good they just need a freshen up, not sure what knid of wood. So far I have re-shaped the tip and added finger groves on the tang, still deciding whether or not to do some file work on the spine. Feel free to comment, I appreaciate criticism good and bad.

First and Foremost! Welcome to the most Friendly, Helpful and informative site on the Web!

It all looks good! Good Job! I'm impressed that you're saving and restoring the wooden scales! They may not have been Originals but still came into your hands and you're saving them!

My only critique is that I 'Personally Prefer' more to be able to 'grip' on the shank! The setup wouldn't work for me! I do hope it works for you!

Let's us know when you get it pinned and honed!! The stopping may be 'interesting'!

Thanks guys, I think I might get the edge honed professionally on this one, its a bit wavy as you can see in the 2nd pic and maybe above my skill level.

cudarunner- you would prefer not to have the finger grooves so there is more meat to grab hold of yes or do mean more jimping for grip- I haven't used a straight razor before so it is interesting to hear what features people consider when actually using the razor.

Thanks.

Jimps are indeed very useful. I have not used one with finger grooves before, but I do prefer a meatier tang myself and double jimping on the tang. Looks good what you have done, though I personally like to keep things all original

Originally Posted by Nate02

Thanks guys, I think I might get the edge honed professionally on this one, its a bit wavy as you can see in the 2nd pic and maybe above my skill level.

cudarunner- you would prefer not to have the finger grooves so there is more meat to grab hold of yes or do mean more jimping for grip- I haven't used a straight razor before so it is interesting to hear what features people consider when actually using the razor.

Thanks.

A slight thumb notch isn’t bad, but both the thumb and finger notches are pretty extreme. I believe that you will find it ‘tricky’ when you go to either strop or hone it.

Just my personal opinion!

Please let us know how it shaves after one of the pro hones it! OH! You might also consider having a pro re-pin it for you! That in itself is an art to get it right and not ruin the scales!! Trust ME I know from personal experience!

The thumb & finger notch is an unusual design but I have seen a few original Sheffields like that. As with a lot of things YMMV. For my size hands I don't find them as difficult to manipulate as say a smaller tang 4/8 razor but I've been known to sometimes strop holding the scales. See ? YMMV.