Obie's Workshop: Lord Help Us! (Update 2)

Gentlemen,

I should have stayed in bed, because this has been an expensive day. Yet a master craftsman needs tools. I mean, duh . . . So here is what I bought for my new adventure in restoring razors for a hobby. I call it an adventure, because I have never worked with my hands — except in the kitchen, where I seem to do all right. So all this is new to me. I don't even know how to change a tire.

I came into this world with the intention of becoming a lord, duke or count and have my own manservant to groom me, but things don't seem to have worked out that way. So here I am: a pilgrim.

I assure you, gentlemen, that although I shall never pass myself to anyone as an expert straight razor restorer, in time I shall learn as much as I can to satisfy myself. That, you see, is what matters most to me. I am grateful for your advice and suggestions as I continue to inform you of my progress through updates. If I bore you to death, my apologies.

So here is the stash for today:

1. Dremel 300 Series variable-speed rotary tool with a parade of attachments.
2. Dremel cleaning and polishing kit.
3. Sandpaper in three grades.
4. Electrian's tape.
5. 3-In-One multi-purpose oil with a skinny spout applicator.
6. End nipper plier.
7. Long nose plier.
8. Small reamer.
9. Small hammer.
10. Moss polish
11. Norton 4000/8000 dual hones ordered from Vintage Blades.

My lovely wife rolled her eyes and shrugged. Then again, she knows all about my shark's tenacity and Spartan's discipline, and that I never give up. Having your sweetie in your corner, gentlemen, is a blessing.

I will provide you with a before photo of the first razor as soon as I learn how to upload it onto the forum.

My dear Rob (Berlin), you sent me some photo uploading instructions, but I don't know what I did with them. If you, or another blessed soul on the forum, would send me another set of instructions, I will try not to blow up my computer — or the SRP site.

Thank you gentlemen for putting up with a straight razor pilgrim.

Regards from a Master Craftsman,

Obie

Well Pilgrim, it looks like your on your way! (please say that with a John Wayne accent for best results). So then, second star to the right and straight on till morning. :tu

BTW, please do be careful with the Dremel. If you catch the edge of the blade wrong, it will break sending bits of very sharp metal in directions you don't want them to go. I made this mistake once. While I escaped injury, I ruined a rather nice Boker. Sigh...

+1 on the above post. I know this will be a delightful adventure that will be skillfully written. I must warn you about the importance of wearing safety glasses when operating the Dremel. As the above poster stated metel can and most likely will fly about. Even the most skillful Dremelsmiths have had this happen. So...... before you attempt to operate this please read the directions and try to work on a piece of wood ( like a paint stir stick ) so you get the feel of the tool before you touch a blade. I use a rotary tool and make sure before using I have my glasses on.
I know everyone will enjoy reading about your endeavors and would hate to read about your hurting yourself. So.. I won't talk like a Mom anymore and if you have any questions, please feel free to PM me or any of us here at SRP for help.
This is going to be fun.
Bill Wilcox

Ditto to what the above posters said.

With the Dremel, make sure you know which way the tip is spinning, and when when near the edge of the blade, make sure the surface that touches the blade is moving AWAY or OFF the blade edge. This and a gentle touch should help prevent chipping or shattering a blade.

Congratulations on your recent acquisitions! I look forward to your future posts on this subject :D