Thread: A Nicholson resurection

I actually bought a Nicholson file some months back for the sake of doing this one day. Mind you, I don't have any of the required materials (save the file), but it's the thought that counts! I can't wait to see the end result

I have come back to look at these razors several times, you made some really cool blades. Thank you for posting the pictures.

Charlie

Thanks Charlie.
And Jonah You can pick up old files at flea markets and antique stores pretty cheap. One word of suggestion is to be sure to buy as thick of file as possible. These were barely .125" thick and we did have some issues of tweeking and warping with the different heating processes.
I did shave with it last night and it wasn't my best shave, but surely not my worst! I am sure we will have to reset the bevel and start back up the hone hill. It seemed to have some warpage issues even with all grinding and polishing done. So my reasons for suggesting a much thicker file to start with.
But it did shave! Not a bloody mess either. We will get it in shape the next go round though.
Thanks to everyone for looking and replying!!
Ray

The file I got actually came from a flea market for the low price of $3. The width comes right at .171". I did see some bigger files but they looked like there was some rust in there, so I passed on buying them. Are files that have some rust still useable or should they be avoided?

If it is surface rust it shouldn't be an issue. Even a little heavier shouldn't be a problem. You would be surprized what annealling will take off in itself. You cant beat the price. The thickness is about as narrow as you would want to go. Maybe I am old school when I say that thicker is better. But being thinner you may have to struggle a little with warping. One word of advise is to do all of the heating elements of the process with the file on its edge. Not laying down flat on its face.
Ray

Very nice! Talk about recycling - I'm looking over my old tools in a whole new light. Great work and design.

Nicely done. Great looking blades. I like the way you managed to keep some of the original file features. Well done.

Stu

Great work guys! Those are some neat looking razors.
Best Regards Ken

Very cool razors, well done.
Grant

Originally Posted by walleyeman

My son "Muskieman" and I were looking over some old files that had been given to me by a friend. They had been cleaned out of an old toolbox of a late, friend of a friend. After looking them over we decided that it would be a cool project to make a couple of one piece razors for fun.....

I'm always fascinated when You guys do this sort of stuff. One day I'll really have to do this myself.

Picture no. 3 is amazing.... a phonebook ... made of paper