Restoring and honing old straight

**Kristian** · 09-15-2013, 11:08 AM

Hello everyone.

I'm restoring this old straight. There's no markings what so ever on the blade and I think it's a blade produced by a local blacksmith I Denmark around 1850-1900.

The steel however is very good quality and very hard.

The problem I run in to is regarding the edge of blade. It's lifting from the surface on the top of blade, as seen in the picture.

I think it's intentionally, so I would like to keep it that way. But how do I hone it?

Should I just lift it on the heel, when I have to hone the top? Is there a special Technique? Any help or advice would be helpfull.

In the meantime I will make some new scales, it's always the best part :-)

I've added pictures from the restoring progress. I'll upload new ones then finished.

Yours kindly

Kristian

**bombay** · 09-15-2013, 11:47 AM

gssixgun Honing a Smiling Wedge part 1.wmv - YouTube

**Kristian** · 09-15-2013, 01:43 PM

I Will sure try this

**bombay** · 09-15-2013, 02:16 PM

theres 3 parts. the next videos should appear on the right under the suggested videos

**gssixgun** · 09-15-2013, 03:50 PM

The important take away from those vids is that the edge has to move equally and evenly across the stone.. PERIOD

How you have to manipulate the razor to accomplish that is what we fondly call "Honing Gymnastics"

**Kristian** · 09-15-2013, 05:35 PM

It will be a nice challenge. In the meantime I'm trying to find the right material for the scales. I've cut myself twice so far polishing the blade, so I think deep red scales will suit the old "devil"

**bombay** · 09-15-2013, 11:00 PM

man i cant believe you would of got rid of them scales

they look in perfect nick all they needed was oiling and they have some mans initials from the 1800's? engraved, what a piece of history. i would have paid good money just for them

**Kristian** · 09-16-2013, 08:16 AM

The scales are just removed. You can have them if you want for free. You only have to pay the shipping.

But really I think you're joking :-)

**Kristian** · 09-16-2013, 08:37 AM

As a funny history in Danish razors... When we started to make razors in Denmark we needed good steel. It wasn't easy to get around, so the makers started to take apart old Ford T cars. They used the springs from the cars in must production from around 1930.

The last razor maker stopped production I Denmark around 1960. Then the Gilletes ruled everything. Only a few blacksmith continued production but that soon died out.

After the war, we were liberated by the Americans and our economy was in ruin by the German occupation. We had a lot of Marshall-help and loved everything from the states. Even today we follow Americans in wars and politics....

I've restored a couple of the Ford-razors, but that steel is different from the this one. The steel here is better and the blade is clearly handmade.

I always keep everything from the razor. Even the old scales and blades to rusted for repair. I try to stop corrosion and keep them as a relic.

Perhaps one day when my skills are greater I can repair them - Who knows ?

**Euclid440** · 09-16-2013, 07:38 PM

I agree scales look completely saveable, the bite on the pivot end can be filled with colored (sanding dust from scales) epoxy, sanded and buffed.

I would fill the pivot hole on the razor with a 1/16 in id tube set in epoxy for a nice tight pivot pin.

Love that smiling blade, take your time honing and you will get the hang of the smile honing rock. It kind of like a Texas 2 step…but different.

Nice project, great save.

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