Thread: My First Ivory Razor

I finally got my hands on some ivory. Mated with a wootz blade, a wrought iron/nickel wedge, and silver pins, this is how it turned out. Took maybe the best edge I've ever been able to put on a blade.

Now THAT is a proper razor!

looks great Joe... sold already i bet.

Wow! great work Joe!

Thats beautiful Joe.

On a scale of one to ten, one being piece of cake, ten being an absolute nightmare, how was it to work the ivory?

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

Thats beautiful Joe.

On a scale of one to ten, one being piece of cake, ten being an absolute nightmare, how was it to work the ivory?

About a 7, I'd say. Most of it was nerves. I couldn't replace it, so I was veeeery careful with it. Stinks. Use new belts, sharp tools, and do as much as possible by hand.

Wonderful. I really like the wedge.

James.

That sure is purdy.

Is that recycled Ivory or is there a legit source for new stuff.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

About a 7, I'd say. Most of it was nerves. I couldn't replace it, so I was veeeery careful with it. Stinks. Use new belts, sharp tools, and do as much as possible by hand.

I don't think I will make any attempts at making ivory scales anywhere in the immediate future. Not until my woodworking skills improve drastically.
I was just curious coz I can get them in 2mm thick strips but had assumed they are too thin until seeing yours.

Must have taken a great deal of patience too, something I have very little of.

Again, beautiful work.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

I don't think I will make any attempts at making ivory scales anywhere in the immediate future. Not until my woodworking skills improve drastically.
I was just curious coz I can get them in 2mm thick strips but had assumed they are too thin until seeing yours.

Must have taken a great deal of patience too, something I have very little of.

Again, beautiful work.

Thank you. It's hard to tell from the picture (yes, I know my photography sucks) but for ivory, these scales are quite thick. Probably close 5/64". Now I know why ivory is so thin...the tusks are so twisted, so it's hard to cut straight pieces. lol

The wootz came out of Ric Furrer's shop. I sent Joe some ivory because a blade like that deserves a decent cover. I had this in my hands three times. First the forging, second the heat treat after Joe's rough grind, and now it's coming back home.

I'll let you know the rest...(this waiting with bated breath is for the birds)