Thread: Bruno's Blade Club

I think you will find the second pin is a decoration only
you may need to drop then third pin completely, my Spanish Monkey Bruno Blade couldn't have it due to the tail length as to clear the blade & still let the tail swing through

Substance is correct, my second rear pin is decorative only.

I'm away from home at the moment but here are a couple of early photos when I was testing the pivot pin using a microfastener (before I'd finished working on polishing the blade). It opens fully and right back as any usual straight razor would.

I did see those, they were actually my inspiration for trying to make a set of scales that flowed with the blade.

Originally Posted by Ulricus

I did see those, they were actually my inspiration for trying to make a set of scales that flowed with the blade.

Here are a couple of very quick and rough ideas. Please excuse the very basic graphics - was just a quick way to start brainstorming with the blade shape in mind.

The first is an idea literally from the Aliens movie. I see the front tip of the scales as the alien head, and the rear as the tail. I can imagine a set in bone with an intricately carved face, or in steel with etching. (Maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself!) The tail curve is too long, but I think it shows that curves can work with a blade this shape.

The second is much more geometrical, with parts mirroring basic geometric versions of the blade itself. I think the shape of the razor lends itself to scales that can come out past the front tip of the blade, but should stop pretty close to the pivot pin - otherwise it may get unwieldy.

The third was a quick attempt to do what I've done with my Bruno scales, which was to try to follow the shape of the blade in the scales - this version has the tail of the scales too thin, and the front too long, but should give you the idea. I'd make the tail a bit fatter and overall it would look like a squashed version of the blade itself. Not sure how this would work...



Anyway, hope that gets the ideas flowing. I recommend cardboard cutouts to get a feel for how the scales would move, before actually picking any design. Nothing wrong with cardboard and scissors to help shape/modify your designs! Good luck!

P.s. I didn't particularly like the 'Alien' design before, but having looked at it for a while, I have been converted.

Originally Posted by Suavio

Here are a couple of very quick and rough ideas. Please excuse the very basic graphics - was just a quick way to start brainstorming with the blade shape in mind.

The first is an idea literally from the Aliens movie. I see the front tip of the scales as the alien head, and the rear as the tail. I can imagine a set in bone with an intricately carved face, or in steel with etching. (Maybe I'm getting a little ahead of myself!) The tail curve is too long, but I think it shows that curves can work with a blade this shape.

The second is much more geometrical, with parts mirroring basic geometric versions of the blade itself. I think the shape of the razor lends itself to scales that can come out past the front tip of the blade, but should stop pretty close to the pivot pin - otherwise it may get unwieldy.

The third was a quick attempt to do what I've done with my Bruno scales, which was to try to follow the shape of the blade in the scales - this version has the tail of the scales too thin, and the front too long, but should give you the idea. I'd make the tail a bit fatter and overall it would look like a squashed version of the blade itself. Not sure how this would work...



Anyway, hope that gets the ideas flowing. I recommend cardboard cutouts to get a feel for how the scales would move, before actually picking any design. Nothing wrong with cardboard and scissors to help shape/modify your designs! Good luck!

P.s. I didn't particularly like the 'Alien' design before, but having looked at it for a while, I have been converted.

Damn you Suavio, I feel like I have to learn scrimshaw now so I can try something similar to that second design in bone. I love the curves of it, I'm going to draw something up similar to it and see how it looks on the razor itself in cardboard. Thanks again!

Originally Posted by Ulricus

Damn you Suavio, I feel like I have to learn scrimshaw now so I can try something similar to that second design in bone. I love the curves of it, I'm going to draw something up similar to it and see how it looks on the razor itself in cardboard. Thanks again!

I'd offer to help (pretty excited about the idea) but that's probably not very practical, being on the other side of the world!

When designing scales draw the blade in the closed position and then rotate it 180 degress to the fully open stropping and honing position. It's really important that the scales do not interfere when stropping, therefore the monkey tail should be contained within the scales when open and you should be able to hold the tang easily with thumb and finger. Any design that departs from this general principle will cause grief in the long run.

The comment earlier about scales being the way they are is very true.

No 4 above looks the most likely fit to me.

Originally Posted by Ulricus

Damn you Suavio, I feel like I have to learn scrimshaw now so I can try something similar to that second design in bone. I love the curves of it, I'm going to draw something up similar to it and see how it looks on the razor itself in cardboard. Thanks again!

I'm sorry, but all your scale designs should NOT be used.

Based on UKRob's suggestions and Suavio's first design, (which I love the lines of) I made these up. I think they'll keep with the alien lines of Bruno's original design, but also keep the scales functional. I'm also thinking of adding some jimps to the "tail" section to mirror the razor. How do they look?

the only thing I would say is watch the width of the scales at the pivot to fit between your fingers when shaving
doesn't seem like much but I find it feels a lot better when they are narrower
so maybe trim the bottom edge up a bit JMO
looks like fun either way