Thread: Rapid prototype potential for custom razors

Working in an industry where rapid prototyping is the norm, I've been thinking about one shot manufacturing methods for blades.
Using subtractive modelling techniques from cad, it seems feasible (in my head at least) to make a razor from an hardened/tempered blank. This could be achieved using cnc electro discharge machining. These things can come of the process with hair splitting tolerances and mirror finish if required. All that would be required is to hone and scale.
I know this would take the fun out of things but have others thought about this. Cost may be prohibitive but if I can get a favour done I will attempt to get this done sometime but may have to get a physical model digitised. Am I missing something here? 3D printing is a rapid growing technology and the day will come sooner that low cost custom one offs will be the norm.
Any thoughts?

Joe

I have often wodered why we dont see more automated processes. I could see someone with a benchtop cnc turning out customized scales doing fairly well for themselves. I have seen two threads about people making a brush handle with an additive process, but no subtractive processes for any kind of project.

There are several reasons why this is not anywhere near feasible.
One offs on a cnc are very expensive. The only way you'll get it done is as a favor from someone who operates one. Otherwise it's going to be prohibitively expensive. And that is not counting the time to do the CAD design. you said it yourself: cost will be prohibitive. 3D printing... until they find a way to print tool steel, it's irrelevant. But even if somehow there was a rapid prototypeing tool for tool steel, that itself would be a very expensive resource. the person buying one would not supply you with razors out of th ekindness of his heart. It would be an invenstment which has to deliver a return, and you'd still pay market value for a razor.

Of course, we never know what the future might bring, but for one off custom made stuff, I don't foresee new machines bringing cheap razors any time soon.

I was wondering about that same thing the other day.
I just need to win the lottery and buy a cnc with edm. Although, I do have a cnc plasma knife with rotatory axis on order. Hmmm, I might have to give it a try once it comes in.

I'll be digitizing a couple of razor scales in the next week or so. I can go ahead and digitize a couple of blades for you.

Originally Posted by Bruno

There are several reasons why this is not anywhere near feasible.
One offs on a cnc are very expensive. The only way you'll get it done is as a favor from someone who operates one. Otherwise it's going to be prohibitively expensive. And that is not counting the time to do the CAD design. you said it yourself: cost will be prohibitive. 3D printing... until they find a way to print tool steel, it's irrelevant. But even if somehow there was a rapid prototypeing tool for tool steel, that itself would be a very expensive resource. the person buying one would not supply you with razors out of th ekindness of his heart. It would be an invenstment which has to deliver a return, and you'd still pay market value for a razor.



Of course, we never know what the future might bring, but for one off custom made stuff, I don't foresee new machines bringing cheap razors any time soon.

The die sinking technology exists now. Cost dose make it economically detrimental, but it's still feasible. We may all be shocked at how quickly this could change. This technology and the developments will have a massive impact on traditional manufacturing methods I feel, especially in the custom niches.

The only flaw in your plan if you accomplish this feat is the mentality. It's not just the fact that you have to get the same properties as the old steel into your new object. It's also a matter of being collectable. I would guess a majority of straight users also enjoy the fact that they are shaving with a tool that has stood the test of time for generations. New razors are cool but lets have a show of hands for how many use a new blade :<0) Another thing,,when you say customs you should understand the meaning there. Each one is different. That's a lot of digits and pixels. Good luck though on a proto type.

Originally Posted by 10Pups

The only flaw in your plan if you accomplish this feat is the mentality. It's not just the fact that you have to get the same properties as the old steel into your new object. It's also a matter of being collectable. I would guess a majority of straight users also enjoy the fact that they are shaving with a tool that has stood the test of time for generations. New razors are cool but lets have a show of hands for how many use a new blade :<0) Another thing,,when you say customs you should understand the meaning there. Each one is different. That's a lot of digits and pixels. Good luck though on a proto type.

True. So true.
I agree entirely. I have made my own razors by hand. Has a sort of traditional (Japanese) master smith reverence to it.
In terms of the average Joe designing his own personalised razor including makers mark. I liken this to the advent of digital photography.
Does take the skill and dare I say charm out of the process. Progress if it happens can not be stopped??
Someone will do it at some point in time. I think that there is room for both approaches.
Can you tell the difference between a "real" and a synthetic diamond?

Nope I am no diamond expert. Can't tell the difference between GMO food and regular either except for the blan taste and can't forget the fact that it is covered in pesticides. :<0)
But yeah there maybe room for both, I am just thinking you will have to create your own market. This is totally doable if not now , in the future. Just twice as much work as your original plan which was coming up with the product.

A 3d scanner would make custom designs from old razors easy enough.

Ok Guys. Not weighing in on fesibility, as I reckon you have covered it.
just point out that just because you can do something does not mean you should do it.
the main thing is to ensure it is not called hand made.
I guess there is still a skill indoing it the technological way., but no sweat of brow. Kind of like arguments in smelting ones own steel vs forging recycled steel vs forging production steel vs stock removal vs home heat treat vs commercial heat treat, etc.
be interested to see results and compare to a razor made traditionally.

Yes you can. You X-ray them , Real Diamonds dont show up ,you only see the prongs. Cubix zirconia because its flimflammed in a lab shows up as an image in the shape it was cut. Talk about a pissed off women when she finds out. 20 years as an Radiology Technologist finally was useful for my hobby.