What is the line running down the length of the blade?

I tried a search in the forum but didn't see this addressed.
When you look at the blade in the light and tilt it you can see a "line" running along the length of the blade about 3/16" from the edge.
A friend told me he had heard this had something to do with the quenching process when the blade was manufactured or something and I was curious if anyone here could educate us on what that line is exactly?
If this is the wrong forum for this topic I apologize. I wasn't sure whether to post it here or the "Razors" forum.

Thanks

Pictures...?

I am thinking you might have a "bellied" blade. Can you feel a slight bulge along that line?

Bob

Viewed end on from the toe, looks something like this.

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g2...psfeda3134.jpg

Yes Bob I believe that is what it is. Is this normal? It's very pronounced on my Shutmate Tungsteel especially.

Some makers do it I believe to give strength to the blade to make up for the extreme hollow of the blade. I may be mistaken though but I thought I read that somewhere. I know my Dovo Pearlex has it.

Brian Brown just made one yesterday Instagram

Instagram

PMD - I didn't know Shumate made a belly'd blade. I have a small Tungsteel (only 4/8 blade I keep *and* use). Its just hollow. I suspect if that's the way its made - that it would be one of the more rare birds for that company. I'll bet it shaves well.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad

Yes Bob I believe that is what it is. Is this normal? It's very pronounced on my Shutmate Tungsteel especially.

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I don't know how normal it is. I think some makers use it on large, guessing again, 6/8 and up as a longitudinal strengthener for an extremely hollow blade. I don't know how common it is especially on American razors but was surprised to notice that my Genco Henry's X was bellied. I hadn't noticed it when I got it and honed it. I am guessing some are more pronounced than others.

Bob

Thanks Bob. I see it in my Genco "Magnetic Steel" 5/8 razor as well as my Shumate "President" too. Actually I see it in all my Shumates but it is not as pronounced on the Tungsten, Vulcan, Peacemaker and Barber

Is this not what they call double hollow? They use 2 different size wheels when they grind it. A large wheel makes the first cut and they come back with a smaller wheel near the spine leaving that belly for strength along the length of the blade. It gives the blade some slight flex while you use it.

I imagine it working to help keep an even pressure on the skin while making a pass. Allowing for slight changes in the angle of the blade by the user and helping it stay proper. Now that is just >me< thinking right now but I have read about this a few times before. Being a Dubl Duck user I have always thought that that name was descriptive and not just because of the 2 ducks on the tang :<0)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad

Thanks Bob. I see it in my Genco "Magnetic Steel" 5/8 razor as well as my Shumate "President" too. Actually I see it in all my Shumates but it is not as pronounced on the Tungsten, Vulcan, Peacemaker and Barber

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Thank you, I now now it is used on smaller blades and seems a pretty common practice on American made razors. Now I am going to have to check the few American made razors I have.

Bob

Pups

I think they may be two different things because the slight ridge on a bellied razor is nearer to the edge than the spine. OTH, not being an expert they could be one and the same. Hopefully someone with more expertise will chime in on that point.

Bob

They are one and the same. See photos in this thread http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...d-d-b-g-m.html .

Bob