Thread: Does anybody know how to notch the spine of a razor?

I'm looking to mimic the look of the dovo bismarck razor where the spine has several notches; I'm assuming you custom cut the width of the belt and grind carefully. If anybody has any other ideas or insights I'd love to hear it. Thank you!

If you're just talking about the grooves on the spine, then you'll most likely have to use a file. There's of course is almost certainly done by a machine, but each set of grooves will have to be cut out with a file. Just take a set of calipers, and lay out the marks, be patient, and file away. There's a certain type of files used for that kind of detail work, the name eludes me right now....riddler file maybe? Something like that, anyways, they're small detail files.

+1, yes, a triangular file edge to cut the lines. Others might suggest a dremel tool with a cutting wheel, and that would work, but a file is slower and less prone to giving you an exciting experience making a mistake you didn't want. Clamp the blade carefully to hold it still. Good luck.

Full disclosure, I'm not a restorer or razor maker and I've never tried putting jimps in a razor. I did read a post by Joe Chandler years ago, where IIRC, he suggested using a jig saw blade up against the side of the tang as a template, so that your notches are more likely to be spaced uniformly. IOW, follow the saw notches in the jig saw blade when filing your spine.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Full disclosure, I'm not a restorer or razor maker and I've never tried putting jimps in a razor. I did read a post by Joe Chandler years ago, where IIRC, he suggested using a jig saw blade up against the side of the tang as a template, so that your notches are more likely to be spaced uniformly. IOW, follow the saw notches in the jig saw blade when filing your spine.

Simply ingenious!

What are the best files to use? Aside from notch work I'd also like to add decorative vines and detail of that nature. Are diamond files the best? Could somebody recommend a set for me? Thanks!

Your razor's spine is HARD, so I would recommend daimond. I personally use stuff from World's Largest Supplier of Gun Parts, Gunsmith Tools & Shooting Accessories - Brownells
Go with less pressure so you will be less likely to pull the diamonds from the binder on the file.

Originally Posted by shooter74743

Your razor's spine is HARD, so I would recommend daimond. I personally use stuff from World's Largest Supplier of Gun Parts, Gunsmith Tools & Shooting Accessories - Brownells
Go with less pressure so you will be less likely to pull the diamonds from the binder on the file.

Thanks for the info! Is there a specific model/set that you would recommend? I want the capability of doing notches like I said, but also extreme detail work like vines or a snake along the spine. Which model would suit me best? Thanks again!

the only thing I can comment is from what my friends told me..if you DO go from a non barbers notch..to making one..if you had a full wedge..it wouldnt be a full wedge anymore..more of a "near wedge"..weight gets removed..but if you had a hollow ground I would worry about it being a bit lighter..though going im not sure if going from a near wedge to anything lighter after making a barbers notch..I dont know what it would be..hollow ground?

Originally Posted by smalltank

the only thing I can comment is from what my friends told me..if you DO go from a non barbers notch..to making one..if you had a full wedge..it wouldnt be a full wedge anymore..more of a "near wedge"..weight gets removed..but if you had a hollow ground I would worry about it being a bit lighter..though going im not sure if going from a near wedge to anything lighter after making a barbers notch..I dont know what it would be..hollow ground?

Types of grinds refer to the belly or concave of the blade surface. Barbers notch or not if you have a wedge it will remain a wedge.

For the OP, you may want to check out some engraving tools for decoration like vines ect. You are also going to have to temper the spine to a workable hardness for that kind of detail. IMO