Thread: Custom Design - thoughts please

After reading the comments in the other thread where someone posted a custom razor design I thought "wow, these guys don't hold back!". Since I have thick skin, I thought I may as well post a similar request for comments on a design I have been working on. It is a work in progress, and there are some elements I am not sure about so it will be interesting to see what comes up. Here it is - fire away.

Looks pretty neat. A couple questions.

What technique to put in the dimples?

Materials? Double check the forge. Might want to get a ref for a reliable metal source.

I think a less hollow grind would be easier for a first razor. Maybe a quarter hollow/near wedge?

Dimples are just a quick and nasty was to show hammer finish. The hammer will fade as it gets to the shoulder as is shown, but it won't be round dimples.

I am not making this blade myself. I am working with a local expert for the smithing. I'm just coming up with the design. So steel I believe will be 80CrV2. Grind will be around half hollow. Blade finish to be polished. Scales to be Silky Oak, supplied by me. The timber is out of an old wardrobe that belonged to my in-laws way back when. Pins and wedge to be brass.

Form is always in the eye of the beholder so that is all up to you..

My only comment is about function

On the bottom two especially, the upturn of the pivot end of the scales, will actually push your thumb away from the tang and the Thumbnotch making those designs very awkward to strop...

Edit:

Just a suggestion, use O1 steel, razors are simple tools, and I have seen quite a few custom razors that don't hone or shave for crap made outta "Super Steels"

Well, Mate, the spikey corners are NOT user-friendly and the dead straight-edge that looks like it is frowning is SO passe amongst those in the know. Those who make only that have no imagination outside of their box. Twice-pins on the wedge end is also nobueno! Make a razor according to what works! YMMV
There you have it!

I like the blade, slight smile might be nice...
Hammered finish will be sharp too.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Form is always in the eye of the beholder so that is all up to you..

My only comment is about function

On the bottom two especially, the upturn of the pivot end of the scales, will actually push your thumb away from the tang and the Thumbnotch making those designs very awkward to strop...

Edit:

Just a suggestion, use O1 steel, razors are simple tools, and I have seen quite a few custom razors that don't hone or shave for crap made outta "Super Steels"

Function is what I am really after input on, so thanks.

I'll consider a slight smile. All my razors (only 4) are all straight.
The current design is straight, no frown here.

Originally Posted by Sxot

I'll consider a slight smile. All my razors (only 4) are all straight.
The current design is straight, no frown here.

See what I mean!

Make the wedge an actual wedge. To me, nothing says lazy amateur more than a "wedge" that is straight.