Thread: Pair of Sheffield Straights Restored by Gary the Penman

Here's a couple more straight razors that I've had restored by one of our forumites -- Gary the Penman -- with the gift and skill to breathe life into old and tired steel.

The photos below will show you what I sent him, then the inital clean-up of the blades, and finally a set of scales for each crafted by Gary.

So, here's what he had to work with initially. They were definitely in need of some TLC, but I knew he could bring out their beauty...

When Gary got the razors, he sent me an e-mail with these photos attached to show the restoration underway.

Originally Posted by garythepenman

I've de-pinned and cleaned up your blades, next I'll start on the scales. See pics of before and after. They have come up very nicely. I did not sand any part of the blade faces as these are not bad at all so I just used polish and fabulustre on those. The spines, tangs etc I sanded to 2,000 grit and polished.

I was quite impressed with his progress...

Finally, here are the photos of the finished scales and blades. I've given them a honing, and will be trying them out to see if I've got the edge right yet.

I really like the choice/combinations of wood and spacer colors, and the shape of each scale pair with the blades' profiles.

Specs:

Razor #1--
B. Worth & Son
5/8 in. width
Square point
Black maire wood scales with green perspex spacer

Razor #2--
Haddon
5/8 in. width
Round point
Asian cinnamon wood scales with yellow perspex spacer

I enjoy seeing crartmanship, regardless in what it is....them look great.

You get the best stuff, Chris. Nice job, Gary.

X

Very nice work!

Originally Posted by xman

You get the best stuff, Chris. Nice job, Gary.

X

X,

I've seen photos of some of your collection, and I think you're being too modest!

Great work as usual Gary. Congradulations on the new toys there Chris.

Thanks for the praise All, glad you like ém Chris.

I was particularly pleased with the final appearance of the blade to scale match.

I still have some very nice woods if anyone else want's something dressed up.

Gary