Thread: Factory locking washer look

Trying to replicate the look of factory locking washers used on vintage razors. (and modern razors for that matter). Current I simply just dome the washer and peen away. They look fine, but the factory washers definitely look different on most vintage razors. The factory washers have more of a pronounced shoulder instead of a half sphere look and the finish pinning looks like it's almost counter sunk into the washer. Anyone know of a technique or trick to get that look?

Some of the ones I have removed have the same finish like a countersunk dome with a smaller washer inside the dome usually nickel,
I have tried to make them by doming and then centre popping the dome back down. But I need to rethink my tool shapes to get it to look right and I don't have any nickel washers small enough for inside the domes yet

I was just thinking about this a few days ago! Pulled a pair of collars off of a scale and noticed that they were more of a half doughnut rather than a simple dome. Was thinking maybe dome the washer and then flip it over and dome again using a much smaller doming "bit" and larger hole. That's just in my mind's eye - haven't tried it yet.

The old collars were made by punching a relatively thin sheet of metal with a die. There were usually two sets - the outer display collar and an inner one for reinforcement. To replicate the effect exactly, one way is to experiment with punching thin sheets of metal. For an idea of the process see here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...ld-school.html

Another that might work would be to use thicker washers, and bevel the outside edge and countersink the inside.

hi,.. just as an idea,.. I accidentally found flower like washers in a hobby/jewelery store.. see pic below, I just tried them on one razor 2 days ago,.. was a bit afraid that I might ruin them if peening so I went for the screws (which I like more anyways), although I think yellow brass center dome would look nice on flowers washers .. 1 thing though, if you use these pounched brass "stacked" washers, aren't they too fragile, meaning they might get flattened while peening, or at least damaged, someone mentioned you can use support inside, so is this the solution, eg 3 stacked washers under the "stacked" punchout?.. I have an old ca johnson with flower washers that where I will have to use the originals and peening..

Originally Posted by AirColorado

I was just thinking about this a few days ago! Pulled a pair of collars off of a scale and noticed that they were more of a half doughnut rather than a simple dome. Was thinking maybe dome the washer and then flip it over and dome again using a much smaller doming "bit" and larger hole. That's just in my mind's eye - haven't tried it yet.

Half doughnut is a perfect analogy. Almost feels like you would need some kind of punch and die set. Anyone know of a really really small doughnut punch and die set. ha... ha..

I was looking at bunnings just yesterday at some nail punches that might get the dome shape for the outside then just centre pop the centre back in possibly.
just got to work what to use as the base die like a piece of hardwood or plastic or something with the punch shape pressed or melted into it?
or try and get a punch & base made to suit, maybe someone with a metal lathe could make something up like the tripple stack punch above to trial it?

Originally Posted by jdm5493

Half doughnut is a perfect analogy. Almost feels like you would need some kind of punch and die set. Anyone know of a really really small doughnut punch and die set. ha... ha..

I have a punch and die set - too much going on today but tomorrow afternoon I may try out the half doughnut idea. I'll let you know if it works.

Substance I'll give that a shot as well - except I may not fully understand what you're seeing.

Air,
the nail punches have a hollow domed punch end that only goes a few mm deep, looks a bit like a hole punch that is contously hollow.
not sure how you would make a dir & punch for them, you would probably need to make the tool to make the punch due to the fine sizes etc.?

Thanks - necessity is the mother of invention so who knows what I may come up with!