Thread: Basics of starting out

Hi guys,

I would love to try make a razor. what is the min. stuff I will need to make a razor? how much should I expect to spend to get started?

thx
BR

TBH thats a hard question to answer. How much you spend will depend on which tools you have already and what work you want to do yourself (will you outsource the heat treating or grinding or anything else?).

It'll also depend on the materials you want to use.

I'd start by reading the stickys in the Workshop forum and finding out as much as you can there. Search out threads on razor making and you could also maybe try PMing one of the razor makers with any specific questions you have.

Ill be doing all the stuff my self. My dad probably has most of the tools or i can obtain them easily from friend/family.

the main thing i really would like to know is the steps involved in making a blade ( heat treatment, grinding etc.).

could someone please give me a list of the steps involved or post a link?

thx

Originally Posted by Stubear

TBH thats a hard question to answer. How much you spend will depend on which tools you have already and what work you want to do yourself (will you outsource the heat treating or grinding or anything else?).

It'll also depend on the materials you want to use.

I'd start by reading the stickys in the Workshop forum and finding out as much as you can there. Search out threads on razor making and you could also maybe try PMing one of the razor makers with any specific questions you have.

I would say that your best bet is to go out and find a few knife making books, and read up on the process that way. Any major bookstore should have at least one or two how to make knives books. The theory and process are pretty much the same, with a few obvious differences, but at least it will get you started. As far as tools go you can use simple tools without spending a fortune, or you can spend thousands, it really is up to you. Mike_ratliff had a great post that I found interesting:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...ent-steel.html

Right now I am in the reading up phase as I would really like to learn as much as I can before I attempt as well as having more time with shaving before I decide that I can make or even hone my own. Hope that helped.
Cary

There is a lot of information on the net. I like Bladeforums and Britishblades forums. I think the trick is to read all you can. After studying for a while it becomes easier to tell the good information from the bad.

Charlie

Originally Posted by BuddyRockefella

could someone please give me a list of the steps involved or post a link?

sure
1) pick a bar of steel
2) grind off most of it until it looks like the razor you want
3) heat treat it as appropriate for the steel type you have
4) final grinding and polishing the blade
5) make and fit a pair of scales
6) hone the razor

that's it

The cost will be $5-$100 for the steel, $500-$5000 for the grinder, $500-$2000 for the kiln, $0-$500 for books.

thanks guys. I will start reading up and give it a go in a few months.

Try this.

Straight Razor Place Forums - boballman's Album: The birth of a razor

Originally Posted by gugi

sure
1) pick a bar of steel
2) grind off most of it until it looks like the razor you want
3) heat treat it as appropriate for the steel type you have
4) final grinding and polishing the blade
5) make and fit a pair of scales
6) hone the razor

that's it

The cost will be $5-$100 for the steel, $500-$5000 for the grinder, $500-$2000 for the kiln, $0-$500 for books.

that about covers it

but the thing that can save you the most $$$ is info
is there any makers near you that you might be able to get a little one on one shop time with

Originally Posted by L R Harner

is there any makers near you that you might be able to get a little one on one shop time with

i highly doubt it