Thread: And Now For Something Completely Different

As many of you know, I like to try new things. I learned quite a bit from making the 1700's stub tail replica. It got me thinking about combining the aspects of it that I liked with my pre-existing preferences. This is the result. I call it the model 1720. "17" comes from the century that inspired it (the 1700's), and the "20" is from this year, 2020. It would be a near wedge grind from my supply of "soft steel" (or "old steel" as Glenn calls it). It would have a full taper like a 1700's razor, toe-to-tail or tip-to-tip. It would also include my current preferences of having something of a heel and it would be short (stubby). Also, it would have a bit more of a tail for a finger rest, but nothing exaggerated. Jimping would be added as well. I'm kind of digging the looks.

The pointy heal doesn't fit in to me. JMO

Originally Posted by Gasman

The pointy heal doesn't fit in to me. JMO

Agreed. I like this better.

I like it. The second one especially.

Or bring the heal down in line with the grind. But the rounder corner is better. But it's your razor.

Originally Posted by DVW

Agreed. I like this better.

Yea, me three. Anytime you have a point on a cutting edge, like a spike point at the toe, it is easier to come to grief while shaving. Add another at the heal and now you have two chances of coming to grief while shaving.

Bob

... plus, I think it just looks better.

I dig it, I like that shape of blade.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

... plus, I think it just looks better.

That goes without saying as in if it looks right it is right.

Bob

Thanks for all the feedback guys. It is greatly appreciated.

The problem/challenge that I am having is maintaining the full length taper of the spine, from the end of the blade to the end of the tail. The more pronounced I make the heel, the wider the blade needs to be at the toe in order to maintain the proper geometry. Making a stubby full length taper razor is harder than it sounds. Basically you end up with no heel, or you end up with a really wide blade at the toe. I can see why the full length taper was abandoned for a fixed width spine and a tapered tail only.

Adding a curve to the spine helps make the toe area wider without bringing the edge down further. What's your impression of this one, too wide?

This may be one of those instances where I simply need to start moving steel and see how it looks and feels in hand.