Two "New" Trinkets from Roswell, GA

I recently attended a friend's wedding in Roswell, GA. Over the weekend I had a chance to browse the antique shops and chanced across two interesting finds.

The first is a hollow-ground, square-point 6/8 with some lovely engraving on the blade. Unfortunately the blade is rather loose on its pin and I don't really know how to tighten it up.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...eagle-full.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...agle-grind.png

The other was a hefty wedge 7/8 square-point, the only identifying marks being the words "Microscopic Section Cutter" and "Germany" stamped on the tang. Perhaps it was intended as a medical instrument?

There's some minor chipping near the point, but I think it can be honed out. I really wish the scales weren't hard rubber, I can't stand that smell when they heat up...sort of taints the whole shaving experience when you get that whiff of burning tire through your TGQ lather!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...utter-full.png

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v5...tter-grind.png

Is the second one a microtome? does it have a hollow on only one side it is hard to tell from the pic? anyway nice looking and not in bad shape good score!

Your second razor is a microtome which is intended for slicing through tissue, etc., to create extremely thin cross sections for observations using a microscope and not meant for shaving. While shaving razors have two opposing bevels to provide a sharp shaving surface, the microtome is beveled on one side, like a chisel, so the blade can be laid flat while shaving a section for placing on a slide.

Regards - Walt

Also to tighten the pin: Set the razor on something hard, like a hammer. Give the pin a few decent taps with a spoon. Flip. Repeat on the other side. Repeat until tight.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Walt

Your second razor is a microtome which is intended for slicing through tissue, etc., to create extremely thin cross sections for observations using a microscope and not meant for shaving.t

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Even though it wasn't meant for shaving, could it be made suitable with some dedicated honing?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Noam

Even though it wasn't meant for shaving, could it be made suitable with some dedicated honing?

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Probably not, since the geometry of the blade is meant for a single bevel. It would be much easier to get another razor and put your time and effort into getting it shave ready.

Regards - Walt