First ever restoration

I have now been shaving about a month, suffering badly from RAD. I have my original raulf aust from SRD. Then i bought a Kobar because it was dirt cheap on ebay I apid 5.50. when it arrived it was filthy disgusting thing that was never going near my face. So I thought I would clean it up. Drilled the pins out after watching the vids on SRP (thanks). Unfortunately the drill bit slipped (on a pillar drill) and totally knacked the scales. B*gg*r.

I carried on any how and polished the razor up and it looked really good. Even the edge seamed good. So then I bought a 12K because there were some small marks on the blade (checked in a microscope!!!). Then honed it up and all the marked are gone and stropped it up and it shaves pretty good. I just looked a twonk shaving with this thing with no scales and i thought i was about to cut my fingers off with no guard on it. So then I start reading about making a set of scales. Being over confident in everything I thought no problem i can do that despite no woodwork skills at all. I sourced some wood. Puple heart wood (only because I had never seen it before). Then set about this wood with a band saw. From this i got some nice flat 3mm sheets to work with. So then I discovered a scroll saw at work which supposed to be broken. I was told to take it home as a freebie because its no use to anyone. Now I am a bit happier with electrics so 1 hours work and i have a nicely working scroll saw all of my own. First set of scales cut total disaster you would think after all the colouring books as a kid i would stay outside the line!!!

Anyway second set a lot better. Then look up how to make a wedge, enjoyed that bit very much bit of fun, drilled the scales and assembled. I am really pleased with the end result even if the pros on here think its terrible. I am sure there are loads of mistakes but I think this razor will be the pride in my box for a while even if it shaves badly.

Thought I would add a before and after shot.

Before
Attachment 165838

After

Attachment 165839

let me know what you think. great fun though and learn loads on new skills. I particulaly liked the pinning on the handles very clever and not tricky. I suppose what I am trying to say is making a set of scales in not too tricky just take you time. Took me about 3 hours in total. Even if the end result is not perfect you'll love it anyway because its unique and your own little grey cells and hard work went into it. I would encourage anyone to have a go at this. total cost for the whole project 5.50 for the razor, 6.00 for wood, 3.30 for pins and washers, 4.00 for sandpaper and 3.00 for autosol polish (love that stuff)

Total cost - £21.30 for my favourite razor - bargin! - even if it does look terrible :D