Thread: Eskilstuna edge shapes

Is it just me or have any of you also noted a unique shape in Eskilstuna razors. I know own two from separate makers (and I purchased them from two different sources) and have found that the edge shape isn't completely linear from heel to point.

The blade is a little narrower at the heel and tapers out toward the point, but not in a truly straight, linear fashion like the old Wade & Butcher meatchopper I have. I found a photo of a kife that sort of approximates the shape I'm seeing, though the razors are, of course, less dramatic in their tapers than this knife:

http://catalog.bladeart.com/imgs/ba01194.jpg

Given the two unique makers and sources for the razors, I'm inclined to believe that this blade shape is more a unique trait in Esilstuna razors than a case of uneven honing, etc. Any thoughts?

I'll post pictures of my razors this weekend if it'll help.

Hi Ben,

I looked at your link and don't know what you mean about edge (blade) shape? I have quite a few razors made in Eskilstuna, Sweden and find nothing unusual about their blade shapes. Shown below are three almost identical C.V. Heljestrands I won off ebay a few years ago. They have fine geometry and are great shavers.

Hal

My only Eskilstuna blade is a very light 5/8 that is a wonderful shaver, but not in my top rotation.





Wayne

Mine is an even lighter 3/8 French point with a slight smile and no irregularities.

X

Okay, I'm gonna get the camera and post some pictures.

Here we go. The one on the top is made by Klas Tornblom. On the bottom, we have the work of Joh. Engstrom. The one on the top sort of fans out as the edge progresses past the center of the blade. It looks like a slight smile, just off center. The one on the bottom tapers in a bit as the edge progresses past the center of the blade and then fans out a bit.

Any ideas? The more I look, the more I think these may have been improperly honed.

I think that may be a result of overhoning coupled with irregular pressure.

X

Great. I'm really looking forward to fixing someone else's mistakes.

Oh well. Fortunately, they were only a couple bucks a piece.

Don't sweat it, it's good experience. I've reshaped about 7 or 8 blades by now and it really shows you where your own inconsistencies in honing are. Besides, it's not like you have to go crazy. Smiles are prefered on blades IMO, so just smooth them out and enjoy the pride of having established your own edge shape.

X

You make a good point. I appreciate the encouragement.