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+1 on the Chromium oxide. However, I would not use it until you can get really comfortable shaves off the 8K. At that point, the paste becomes a help.
If you use it to fudge over the fact that your...

If you see yourself repeating this, buy a 4000/8000 combo stone. They're fairly cheap, easy to use, and all you need for a decent shave.

Wrap it tightly in aluminium foil before putting it in the oven. that will prevent smoke and smell from the oil.
Best not to annoy the wife when using 'her' oven :)

A couple of things about extinguising fires in a workshop.
After a couple of quenchings, esp with a small container, the oil is very, very hot. Whatever happens, don't spray water in the quench...

That is absolutely true. No oxygen -> no flare. The mistake people make is to be hesitant during quench. It can mess up the quench, and cause flareup.
If you dunk it straight in without hesitation,...

Flareups are pretty harmless. The major thing is to keep your face away from the quench (which is always a good idea) and don't put combustible stuff next to the quench. I do all forging and...

the taper should run past the shoulders, into the blade. About 1/4".

Spring steel is good. And you're right about the built in honing angle. That is the reason for the spine / width ratio.
Be sure to drill the hole before heat treatment. And if you're unsure about...

Because a razor always, Always ALWAYS is honed with the spine on the stone.
Did I say always? I meant ALWAYS :)

The only way to develop a razor edge is with the spine on the stone so that you...

And stay away from 52100 if you don't HAVE to use it for razors. Yes, it's good steel, and can stand a lot of abuse. But for a straight razor, those qualities are not needed, and will make it a lot...

EDIT: Copied from an earlier post of mine, in a similar thread about making a razor.


You want to taper the handle as well. Under no circumstances should you have a tang /handle that is
exactly...

Thickness of the spine should be 1/3 to 1/4 of the width. Don't don below 1/4 because you'll end up with something that looks like a razor but won't work.