Thread: What are you working on?

Oh, and maybe this is a dumb question, but what does NON XLL even mean? I've got a number of Wostenholm and other Sheffields that will say that, or NON IXL, etc. I'm sure I've read what that means on here, but I have forgotten-anyone?

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Oh, and maybe this is a dumb question, but what does NON XLL even mean? I've got a number of Wostenholm and other Sheffields that will say that, or NON IXL, etc. I'm sure I've read what that means on here, but I have forgotten-anyone?

STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - NON-XLL, Joseph Allen & Sons, Sheffield, England.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - NON-XLL, Joseph Allen & Sons, Sheffield, England.

Thanks for the link, Roy-It makes sense that they were competing with Wostenholm. Both ground very similar razors in Sheffield around the same time period. I love learning about the history of razors and stones.

How does your satin finish look? You could put a surface conditioning belt on the 2x72 and a low speed and a feather touch and get a great low loss, satin or matte finish.

Thanks, Shaun-When you say a surface conditioning belt, are you referring to some kind of scotch brite belt? I've got quite a few of those from when I bought out the deceased knife-maker's entire shop for my son some years ago. I've never really messed with them, though-maybe I need to? I have had to learn a delicate touch for shaping scales on my 2x72, though I don't have a variable speed motor on it.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Thanks, Shaun-When you say a surface conditioning belt, are you referring to some kind of scotch brite belt? I've got quite a few of those from when I bought out the deceased knife-maker's entire shop for my son some years ago. I've never really messed with them, though-maybe I need to? I have had to learn a delicate touch for shaping scales on my 2x72, though I don't have a variable speed motor on it.

Not speaking for Shaun here, but yes, the scotchbrite belts are also referred to as surface conditioning. One thing to watch out for is that they come in several "grits". The kind I've used are made by Klingspor so not really "Scotchbrite" (pretty sure that's a 3M trademark), but the same idea. They come in both coarse and fine. I haven't used the coarse, but I bet they might not be so hot for final finishing.

But the fine does leave a really nice finish.

I've used the dremmel type, to produce a nice finish on a few restores.

Originally Posted by outback

I've used the dremmel type, to produce a nice finish on a few restores.

Do you mean like a fine scotch brite dremel wheel? My son has a Dremel set up, but I've never messed with it much-another option, perhaps.

Blades looking nice, and those are great little shavers.
My only 7 day set is made in non xll’s, (pronounced none excels I think).
I did those in India mottled ebony, should look great in that walnut.

Originally Posted by ScoutHikerDad

Do you mean like a fine scotch brite dremel wheel? My son has a Dremel set up, but I've never messed with it much-another option, perhaps.

I too would like to know more about this. Generally I keep the dremel clear of my blades but have been considering using it for finishing-purposes (for those of us without shops or access to any other power tools).