Thread: First razor....new scales

As a brief bit of background, I am a new member here and eagerly awaiting my first straight razor shave. Knowing nothing about straight razors, I ordered this blade on ebay to give me something to practice making scales, honing etc. If anyone has some info on this blade, vintage etc, I would appreciate that info. It is a Friodur Inox 72. I have looked unsuccessfully for information on this blade. As I said I knew, still know nothing about straight razors. This one looks a bit chewed up on the tang and the overall shape of the blade has been reworked for its original form. The edge has a little bit of uneven hone wear but the edge is straight defect free. See the photo below.

I was able to rehone the blade with two layers of electrical tape on the spine. The hones I used are some old barber stones that were left in my house by the previous owner. Looking at the blade with a loupe, it looks to be a 6000 or so grit. I still need to strop with some paste to polish up the edge so it is ready to use.

For the scales I used some flowering plum wood that I harvested about 3 years ago and it has been drying since. The pins are copper and the square washers were cut and shaped from copper pipe. The spacer/wedge is made from a scrap of purple heart. The finish is oilskin sealant that I make from beeswax, linseed oil, pine tar and turpentine. Worked in and buffed by hand.

As I mentioned I am looking for the history of the blade. I am waiting for my soap and brush to give this a try. I would also appreciate feedback on the scales.

Thanks,

Dave

Well the scales are pretty nice and I have to say that the pins and washers are rather creative.

You could find an easier blade to learn to hone with because that one is going to have some geometry issues. You should probably get a pro honed blade to learn to shave with. There are a lot of inexpensive and shave ready razors that go through the classifieds here regularly. That is a very good brand but it has seen some misuse over time. If you concentrate your first efforts on shaving and stropping and worry about the honing later it will shorten the learning curve by eliminating variables.

+1 on RezDog comments.

Learn to shave and strop first, it will shorten the learning curve. Example: I had to start my journey on the very cheap as I am disabled and had no income at the time. My first razor was a quality razor but had broken scales so I had to learn scale making first. Then I tried to learn to hone but was using hones not ideal for str8 razors. As a result some of my first shaves were like shaving with 120 grit sandpaper. Anyway, to make a long story short I did everything bass-ackwards which stretched my learning curve from an inch to a mile. I don't advise anyone to take the journey I did but the rewards, enjoyment and satisfaction have paid off.

I like those scales and the oil skin sealant give them the warm natural look. In 6 years of working with str8 razors I have devised a couple new designs on scales but never thought about using square washers.......very unique, I like it.

Of the German razors I've shaved with JA Henckels have to be the best. In good condition and properly honed will hold an edge for a long time and give great shaves. Get yours honed by a pro and you will enjoy many fine shaves.

Are those washers off a mechano set? Cool RAZR though

I cut the washers out of a 3/4"copper pipe. I really like the way it turned out. Used it for the first time today and dropped it so now I need to rehone the blade.

Sweet looking work

Originally Posted by r3tic

I cut the washers out of a 3/4"copper pipe. I really like the way it turned out. Used it for the first time today and dropped it so now I need to rehone the blade.

nice, a little bit steam punk

Very nice work. The fact that the wood was harvested by you and you mad the finish...nice job indeed.