Thread: 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.





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!

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.

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

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

Originally Posted by Noam

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

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