Basics of starting out

[BuddyRockefella]

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

[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.

[BuddyRockefella]

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

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.

[Diesel30]

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

[spazola]

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

[gugi]

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.

[L R Harner]

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

[BuddyRockefella]

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

[Tenderfoot]

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

Ok sorry to but in as the new guy, but you can get good results with a weber kettle as a forge for heat treating, a set of files, and lots of patience.
My best guess since you will have most tools already (or at least it seems that way) will be
Old file (the older ones act like W1 which I assume will work well for razors) for cheap or free
New files (for working the old file) probablt $30 for two or three
Forge (a hole in the ground with a hair dryer pointed at it will do) Free
Drill Free (if you have one)
Scales It really depends

You could probably (if you are a master scrounger) make a razor for under $50.

[BuddyRockefella]

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