Thread: Blue Steel

So for those of you who saw the Wosty I was working on last week, this is definitely on the other end of the spectrum. A friend on mine sent me a lightly tarnished "Blue Steel" razor to clean up, and I was pretty happy with how it came out. This one started with some light polishing on the dremel (180, 280, and 320 grit polishing wheels), went through a hand sanding progression (320 - 2000), then finished on the micromesh (3200 - 12000).

I do find that on some of the full hollow razors I clean up there is a mirror polished line along the edge, and then another mirror image line from about a quarter inch off the edge to the spine - any thoughts on why there wouldn't be a single mirror image on the entire blade?

It sounds like a bellied grind. I have a duck that I was sanding and the contours of the belly where polishing out much faster then the rest. Could be the same thing going on but thats just my speculation.

Nice job, check and see if you have a bellied razor when you see that line.

Bob

Thank you both for the quick responses, but what exactly do you mean when you say 'bellied'?

Here is a close up image to better illustrate what I'm talking about.

You need a shot of the razor from the toe end so you can see where the razor bellies out and then thins again. I've found that a bellied razor requires more care in shaving with than just an extra hollow. But they do give a good shave if careful.

Is this the photo angle you mean? I can see that the razor isn't symmetrical but is that what folks mean when they say the blade might be 'bellied'?

Originally Posted by bearborne

Thank you both for the quick responses, but what exactly do you mean when you say 'bellied'?

In the forums library under grinds The straight razor - Straight Razor Place Library .

Bob

Here is a picture I stole from the library.

As the picture show its almost as though the grind is in an "S" figure almost. The belly is meant to give an extra hollow grind some strength. I personally don't find that there is any more care required when shaving but definitely when sanding. You want to keep that belly or you will have a "flexy" blade.

Originally Posted by bearborne

I do find that on some of the full hollow razors I clean up there is a mirror polished line along the edge, and then another mirror image line from about a quarter inch off the edge to the spine - any thoughts on why there wouldn't be a single mirror image on the entire blade?

Do you mean the razor is not evenly polished or are you asking a geometry question ?