Thread: What are you working on?

I suspect that the maker mark was hot pressed into those scales. In a more modern approach you could have it carved into a set of scales, similar to how an engraver may do plaques and the like. If you had access to a computer controlled router that might be a fun project to figure out.

Maybe try to graft a new piece in, or build that one back up.
Its been done before, all depends on your skill set, or desire to keep it as original as possible.
Either way, should clean up nicely. Great condition too

Well, first and foremost, I'd see if I could get a bevel before spending time and finances on it. With that said IF you can then it should make a nice looking razor.

As far as replacating the scales. There are some guys doing some nice things using lasers, however I'm not one. In fact I have several materials out to a friend to see how his laser works on them. I've included some horn, bone, stabilized wood and some inlace acrylic to play with.They just landed today so I won't know for awhile.

However I'll send him a link to your post and see what he thinks. I know he's done a lot of wood and recently did some nice work on some antler.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Well, first and foremost, I'd see if I could get a bevel before spending time and finances on it. With that said IF you can then it should make a nice looking razor.

Thanks for the advice! I think I'll be able to get a bevel, because it's a wedge and while there's pitting it's not too deep. But it did get the edge near the toe, so there's some work ahead. And I am going to have to practice my smiling wedge honing. Carefully.

Wonderful work Mike. Glad you're getting use from the sand paper

Nice job on the Packwood, Mike. I've got a healthy appreciation for that type of work As far as the wood for the scales... how about something from that box I sent you?

Originally Posted by xiaotuzi

Nice job on the Packwood, Mike. I've got a healthy appreciation for that type of work As far as the wood for the scales... how about something from that box I sent you?

Was thinking same thing, just haven't looked yet. Hmmm[emoji57]
I wished it would have had crisper lines, but I didn't have a lot to work with from the beginning, most was honed or rotting away already. That's why I left the tang and tail alone, I started restoring this a couple years ago, and gave up sanding till I had a bit of practice with the greaseless. I did hone and shave with it twice, but wanted the ol thing to look nice once more.
So there ya go. [emoji6]

After 6 hours of laborious hand work, the "Shamrock" stands proud upon a Nakayama Tomae ready to serve while the spent koma slurry settles into dust...

Working on a set of scales for the spike.

Going with the spike in the logo as my inspiration. Not sure if it will work out.

Set myself up for another set of flush washerless pins I think.


The shoulder's going to be the challenge for pinning on this one.. And making the wedge taper perfect. Think walrus ivory wedge will compliment, and maybe the bronze rod Tom sent me, depending on how hard to peen it is..
Cheers men.

Have you considered a brass tube to line the pin holes to protect the wood and still be quite invisible? I was thinking slip the tube in, then CA glue to hold it stable, then file it flush. That resin and burl is quite striking. The shape of the scales is pretty sweet. This should come together rather spectacularly.