Thx Jerry,is just something about how those full hollow bellied blades flex that for me really works.
I also use a couple heavy wedges on occasion,but I always gravitate back to the 14s.
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I just received my Ambossman #14 with 7/8" wide blade, will post photos after I have had a chance to clean it up :D
Isn't that a lovely sight? Wm. Gilchrist was a distributor of W&B blades, but this is one he manufactured, here in the US, during the early-1860s. Yes, it's a massive blade -- a full 7/8 along most of its length, and weighs-in at a hefty 51gr/1.8oz -- and the jimps on the thumb-notch grip like a brand-new pair of snow tires :D
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/...03-front-c.jpg
http://i1341.photobucket.com/albums/.../03-rear-c.jpg
@ JBHoren: thanks for your pics.
It took me a few moments to discover the "14" on the tang.
Perhaps the first in this topic that sort of deviates from the general # 14 shape?
How does it rate in shaving compared to bellied hollow # 14's?
Kindest regards, Jazor.
I'm so embarrassed! I don't know -- I have never shaved with (let alone, seen or handled) a #14; I bought this blade -- clearly, a massive wedge -- in early-2008, cleaned and polished it, and there it stopped. Innocent of scales, yet to be "touched for the very first time" by a hone... really, just a "naked blade"... sits alone, amidst its other "naked brothers" (does anyone refer to a blade in female terms?) I have to say that as of now, any plans I might have for it, or any of my other blades, cannot be discussed; doing so would violate the SRP Terms Of Service, and I have no desire or intention to become a "banned user". PM, or email.
This blade provided a really excellent, BBS shave. It is extremely loud while shaving. Sometimes I found the size and length in concert a bit much, but the end result was undeniably great. This is one you need to use often to establish a relationship with and it would take good care of you. Otherwise, I can see someone getting bit a lot.
Here are some Pics of my light restored and modified Beter Modelo XXXX.
I added a stabilizer and polished the Blade (not high polish, i like to see the age of a Blade).
The Scales had been very deformed, and even after repinning, working with a hair-dryer and
adding the Stabilizer, they arent straight, but i think the result is much better than it was.
I like the Scales and especially the Sign of the Flaming Hand, sad that many Spanish Razor
Manufacturers used so incredible cheap materials for their scales.
Attachment 145256Attachment 145257Attachment 145258Attachment 145259Attachment 145260Attachment 145261
Very nice! I saw the second photo, and was absolutely certain that it was a quarter-hollow, if not a near-wedge; but then I saw that it's a half-hollow. The scales are attractive -- all the more so, given the work you did. In the bottom-left photo, the razor has a "fine cutlery" look to it -- a Good Thing, I think. Thanks for posting.
Smooth shaving!
@JBHoren: I guess i have to buy a new Camera, yes it really looks as if the Blade isnt that hollow but its full hollow.
I had the Chance to proof another Beter XXXX from a friend of mine (it was the Reason why i bought this one) and it was
so incredibly thing at the edge, just like Aluminium Foil, really really thin; my Beter is (im sad about it) not so ultrathin, more like a actual TI. I spend now about 4 Hours for this Blade, cause i had to hone about 2mm off because of a heavy nick near the Erl, it was about 8/8" when it arrived, now its between 7/8" and 15/16" :(
@pixelfixed: I remember my Fili Doble Temple Scales and it had been maybe the cheapest plastic i ever had in my hands, really sad, such wonderful Blades in these rags, reminds me of the Tale the Prince and the Pauper.