Thread: Customs and Restorations?

I wonder if it is time in this forum's history to create a subforum for customs, and one for restorations instead of a combined subforum? Any Thoughts? ...get it on..Tom

Definitions???? Could you maybe give Max and I an idea of where the split occurs ???? I think that is the first question that needs addressing.

TIA

Customs would be for the ones that are shipped internationally.

Duh.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Definitions???? Could you maybe give Max and I an idea of where the split occurs ???? I think that is the first question that needs addressing.

TIA

I think customs could be defined as building anything on the razor (blade, scales, wedge). But also include major detailing like shortening blades, regrinding, or adding jimping.

Restorations could be labeled any razor that is cleaned of rust and major pitting, polished blade or scales, pinning, re-etching, reapplying leaf, and straightening original scales.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Definitions???? Could you maybe give Max and I an idea of where the split occurs ???? I think that is the first question that needs addressing.

TIA

I really like the fact that many members are making their own blades! It is very rewarding to see their work! I could suggest a line by custom made blades versus vintage blades? I really do not know. Lots of work goes into restos, but seemingly pales in comparison to the awesome work by our growing bunch of custom blade makers! Seems to be two different animals! Just a thought! THANKS! Tom

The various forum sections serve mainly organizational purpose. My thinking is that if there are too many threads/posts in a given forum (so that threads move quickly out of the first page), it's a good candidate for splitting it further. I just looked at Custom Builts and Restorations and there are no more than 5 new threads per day, so to me splitting the custom made blades in a separate section doesn't seem too important at this point.

We certainly have sections with much less traffic, but the content there is significantly different from the rest to justify that.

For example, the largest section we have is Beginners and even with the introductions split in separate section it's still bigger than the rest. But I think it doesn't make sense to split it any further e.g. beginners' stropping questions, beginners' lathering questions, beginners' razor holding questions, etc. since those can just go to the respective general sections.

At the end of the day the ultimate question is what is the structure that serves best the goals of the site. We wanted to make it easy for people to get help and information, that's why we have the current structure. Some sites have arcane structure that only the creators understand. Others have simply copied our structure because they clearly have no idea what their site goal or purpose is. Yet other sites have structure with the goal of community first and above all, and the quality of information and help being secondary.

The bottom line is that on SRP these things are not just random (or at least most of them are done with a purpose in mind). So, with that in mind, what would be the benefit of separate section for custom made blades (good start may be to count the number of current threads that would end up there, or create a list of them)?

I can appreciate all of this. Any changes would require additional work and would surely need justification. I just see many nice razors all over the forum which members, many newer ones, have restored. I wonder how many might be posted in a strictly restoration forum if it were to be. Many guys are proud of their work, whatever the level of expertise, but do not post them in the custom built/restorations forum as they will be overshadowed by the customs and not really be seen and appreciated as much. Many new restorers and custom makers have been added since the creation of this forum! A good thing which surely goes toward the goal of the forum. I did not mean to imply that things were randomly done. The fine organization of this forum is evident. I surely wish to thank ALL who are involved in making it happen! Without you guys, it would not be possible. As I said in my 2nd post here, just a thought. Thank You All ...get it on...Tom

Well, that's what this forum is for "site help, comments, and suggestions", so suggestions are always welcome. But the better argumented they are the bigger chance something would actually change.

I don't spent that much time in the workshop section, but the idea is that most restoration talk would fit well as threads in the general restoration section, stuff that is related to making the steel like forging and heat treatment would be in the 'forge' section. If it's just a showcase of a finished project that'll go to the gallery under 'custom builts and restorations'.
If that doesn't work too well, changing it is always a possibility, so it's mostly a matter of figuring out what exactly doesn't really work and what's the best way to address it.
Then we (meaning the site management, but mostly the big honchos) assess the advantages and the disadvantages and decide whether to make the change or not. It's really as simple as this.
Most often though, these things happen only at the site management level, (I suppose because those are the people with most interest in improving the site) but there isn't anything wrong with anybody making suggestions of how to do things better.

The thing is: the workshop is working fine for all the people that actually participate in it
It is one of the least controversial places, with many experts contributing, and has no equivalent anywhere on the internet in terms of quality and traffic. Therefore... if it ain't broken, don't fix it.

The Workshop in general is for all things dealing with working on razors.
The forge is where people discuss actual heat treatment, smithing, grinding, etc. Specialized topics for people making razors, which would get lost in the large amount of general workshop traffic.
The gallery is for pics of restored and newly made razors.

I don't see where another split between restored / new razors in the gallery would add value (which is what you are talking about I think).
How would it improve the user experience?

Simply put, I feel it would encourage participation by newer members, those learning to restore, and those who favor original restores. A place to post these already exists, as you have pointed out, But lots remain other places in the forum. I wonder if a guy with a plain, restored razor avoids the Custom builts/Restoration subforum as it does not seem to go with all the awesome customs! I love checking out the custom made, scaled, and modified razors there, but personally, I lean toward vintage and antique blades/scales. I know I am not the only member who lacks the resources and skills to do custom work. A place for the "Common Man" so to speak! If I am alone in this, I digress. Again, a thought. Thank you, Tom