Thread: ATTENTION: Razors needed for the great razor analysis

Josh and I are organizing a project to perform metalurgical and chemical analysis of vintage straight razors.
We'd like to find out their mechanical properties (structure, hardness) and their chemical composition (what were they made of).

This way we hope to get some understanding about the differences between the various manufacturers and regions.
I.e. what is the differnece between solingen and sheffield razors, or 'what makes certain sheffield razors better than others'

For this project we need people to donate razors.
This is the perfect opportunity to find a purpose for that busted razor you still have lying around

If you have one or more razors that you'd like to donate to this project, please send me a PM with a description: manufacurer, size, and grind.
It does not have to be in good condition. As long as there is good steel left, chips etc don't matter.

Thicker grinds are better than extra hollows because some material needs to be ground away to give access to the untarnished steel.

I will compile a list with all possible candidates, from which Josh and I will them make a selection.
We have to limit the selection somewhat (we have room for about 50 razors) so not all razors will be tested, so we will only ask you to mail them when we are sure they will be tested.

I'm really excited about this project, and I appreciate Bruno volunteering to help out. I think we'll learn a lot. So step right up!

Josh

Just curious what specific tests will you be performing. I'm really wondering how you will be analyzing the composition and percentages of all the trace metals.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Just curious what specific tests will you be performing. I'm really wondering how you will be analyzing the composition and percentages of all the trace metals.

From what I understood, There is a college near Josh that has a summer project where they were looking for materials to perform the tests we were after.

They take a sample of steel, and then disolve it and perform spectrum or chemical analysis or something like that.

I know this is a horrible explanation, and the engineer in me objects to it, but it's all I know for now.
As we progress int the project I will make sure to get a complete explanation available.

Bruno's summary is about as good as I could manage. I'm really hoping we'll be able to nail the alloy content of these blades. If my local college (and alma mater) can't do it, I'll try to find someone else who can.

Guys, I'm hoping to have about 50 razors tested. Thanks to the generous donations so far, I'm up to about 15 or so. I need more Solingen blades; surely someone out there has a few trashed Ducks hanging around...

Josh

Here's the original thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/forge...s-project.html.

I'm also going to have Tim Zowada do hardness testing, and I'll be taking a look at the grain structure of the steel. I can't tell much with the naked eye, but at least we'll know if we have any coarse-grained razors in the bunch, which says something about the heat-treatment.

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

Bruno's summary is about as good as I could manage. I'm really hoping we'll be able to nail the alloy content of these blades. If my local college (and alma mater) can't do it, I'll try to find someone else who can.

Guys, I'm hoping to have about 50 razors tested. Thanks to the generous donations so far, I'm up to about 15 or so. I need more Solingen blades; surely someone out there has a few trashed Ducks hanging around...

Josh

Whens your deadline?