Thread: Another "When is it worn out" question

Wild guess, if you use the app I do to calculate how many layers of tape you need on a wedge to get an 18 degree angle on the bevel my guess it would also work with a worn down spine on a full hollow. It takes into account how wide the spine is and what size the blade is to get you into the ballpark of an 18 degree bevel which is , from what I have been able to gather, is the bevel angle spec for a brand new razor with the proper geometry.

Bob

I'm gonna throw this out there, and say this. "When it is no longer serviceable". That can vary by user to a fair degree, what I consider to be serviceable and what you consider worn out may be greatly different. I think that would be a point that the time or effort to obtain a quality shave has become unreasonable when in the hands of a skilled man.

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Jeff

Originally Posted by BobH

Wild guess, if you use the app I do to calculate how many layers of tape you need on a wedge to get an 18 degree angle on the bevel my guess it would also work with a worn down spine on a full hollow. It takes into account how wide the spine is and what size the blade is to get you into the ballpark of an 18 degree bevel which is , from what I have been able to gather, is the bevel angle spec for a brand new razor with the proper geometry.

Bob

What is this app you speak of? You certainly have my interest piqued...

Originally Posted by crouton976

What is this app you speak of? You certainly have my interest piqued...

I guess the general theory is that if you hone with no tape the spine wears the same as the blade, spine width shrinks and so does blade size so the geometry should remain the same. If the spine wears more over time you might wind up with a wide bevel. To compensate for excessive spine wear and to get a narrow bevel back layers of tape are used to get the geometry back and a narrow bevel of about 18 degrees. This is just my guess not having had too much to do with full hollows with excessive spine wear. I am thinking that using the Excel app here http://www.coticule.be/wedges.html you might be able to get that narrow bevel back. Like I say this is just a guess. It seems to work on wedges to keep you from shaving excessive amounts off the side of the blade and an excessively worn spine compared to blade size on a full hollow may start to mimic what happens to a wedge/near wedge honed without layers of tape. I hope I am not being clear as mud about what I am just supposing.

Bob

Amazes me that people even want to attempt a restore on a razor that is just plain done from many years of use and razors that were mediocre to begin with.If just for fun or to practice,thats great,but sometimes it is just not worth it.
I have what was once a fantastic Juan Volmmer palmera,fully etched blade,4+ mm of spineware the biggest frown you have ever seen and a bent tang.
Lord I would have loved to see her when she was born,she was very well loved during her tenure,But she is now dead,R.I.P.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Amazes me that people even want to attempt a restore on a razor that is just plain done...

And hence my question. Where does recovery end and futility begin particular to spine thickness. Is a spent spine a sign of just plain done?

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

And hence my question. Where does recovery end and futility begin particular to spine thickness. Is a spent spine a sign of just plain done?

It just might be that there really is no definitive answer that applies to every user. Really if you can hone it to shave ready no matter it's faults/condition then it is still usable. If on the other hand you don't want to go to the effort for whatever reason then it is spent. Sorta like how high is up?

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

It just might be that there really is no definitive answer that applies to every user. Really if you can hone it to shave ready no matter it's faults/condition then it is still usable. If on the other hand you don't want to go to the effort for whatever reason then it is spent. Sorta like how high is up?

Bob

Up is twice as far as half way up. I agree, if you want to, and can, take the time to get it in shave ready condition, then its still functioning. If you cant, or are unable to, then move to the next one.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

And hence my question. Where does recovery end and futility begin particular to spine thickness. Is a spent spine a sign of just plain done?

Imo, yes. If the spine is shot, the razor is gone as far as I am concerned.
You can't tack steel back on, so any restoration attempt will still end with a worn razor.

I have been thinking about the even spine and edge wear thing, I don't think it woild hold true, as the amount of metal in contact with the hone would need to be the same on both ie if your bevel is 1/8" then the amount of spine in contact with the hone would need to be 1/8" or the narrower area would wear quicker, well maybe anyway, perhaps a metal working person could expand on or debunk this for me. Thanks ed.