The pictures show the blade as I recieved so I am not sure about what anyone did prior to me recieving the razor but in my humble opinion I don't think anyone messed with it besides normal honing.

The blade is hefty though and the crack hasn't seem to make the blade unstable or shifty or anything. Just curious to how the blade cracked on this thick beast. I know it's an oldie but someone must have torqued it pretty good or dropped it off of a roof. Doesn't look to be caused by heat or grinding but who knows.

Maybe if I get bored one day (10 day old baby and 17 month old at home) which isn't happening anytime soon I will try to make it a shaver and just carve "avoid the heel" in the scales.

Appreciate the input, thnx.