Thread: Shank Checkering?

I have been browsing photos of some of the beautiful custom-made straight razors out there. I LOVE the ones with the intricate file work on the spine. But I noticed that a lot custom and name brand razors have groves cut perpendicularly across the shank, which I assume is in some cases, intended to provide a better grip of the shank in wet hands.

What I haven't seen is checkering filed into a razor's shank similar to the checkering on the front strap and main spring housing of many custom and higher end 1911 45 ACP handguns. It seems like that would provide a superior grip even in wet, soapy hands, and might look pretty cool as well.

Has anyone seen a razor with checkering on the shank? I'd really like to see some pics if you have. Also, can someone please post a few links to some custom straight razor photo galleries?

One other thing, I asked before if anyone knew what the purpose of the bevel ground into the shanks of many razors and I'm not sure if my question was understood. See the attached pic of the bevel in question below:

Is it just to set the primary angle of the blade? Does it serve any function?

Thanks

Most razors have that shoulder on the razor though there are shoulderless models like the Le Grelots for example. I have about 100 razors and have never seen any pattern on the shank of the razor. Probably, because manufacturer and origen info goes on the sides they don't put any other patterns on there. Some razors have covered shanks with MOP or Ivory or Celluloid but thats about it. Sometimes the old hand forged models have some texturization there. I have a few of those but that usually isn't a finishing thing more like a roughening. The pattern is usually where you hold it on the underside and sometimes on top.

FYI , the grooves you speak of are called "jimps" , and as the Big S said , are not necessary on the sides of the tang because the razor is normally held with the thumb on the underside of the tang , and the index and middle finger on the top of the tang .

There are also a few Filly's (like the Barbas Duras - spelling may be off) and Puma's that come with a piece of rubber on the tang. I've never held one, but I'd assume those must help out a bunch with the grip, and they do cover the entire tang.

This puma hasn't exactly got shank chequering:



but the grooves on the shank were for a rubber covering - or so I'm told. The rubber cover was quite a bit wider than the shank, and the scales were cast with hollows to accept the rubberised bit. The rubber grip was, however, ridged on the sides.

Regards,
Neil

I think the bevel is there to guide the blade into the scales. I have scaled several razors with wood. These scales are a close fit and as the tang enters the scales that bevel spreads the scales.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

This puma hasn't exactly got shank chequering:


but the grooves on the shank were for a rubber covering - or so I'm told. The rubber cover was quite a bit wider than the shank, and the scales were cast with hollows to accept the rubberised bit. The rubber grip was, however, ridged on the sides.

Regards,
Neil

Neil, you are correct:



That's a Puma 222 with the rubber grip. Personally, I love them. I have a Filarmonica that has the same thing. It makes navigating the blade around my mug much simpler.