Kropp and Monarch restoration project.

Hello all.

This is my first post on this forum, I simply got hooked on straight razors and now I am doing two restoration project at the same. Firstly some pictures from the razors in condition I got them.

Kropp arrive with broken plastic scales which I trashed right away. This blade wasn't in bad condition.
Attachment 199105

Monarch arrived with bone scales and plan is to put these scales into the Kropp.
Attachment 199109

Better image from the bone scale itself.
Attachment 199106

After few hours of wet sanding and shining this is the condition of the razors. I am happy considering that this is my first time restoring/shining and scale making ever.
Attachment 199107

Finished making scale for the Monarch today. They are made out of mahogany and still are missing waxing and holes for micro fasteners.
Attachment 199108

I will update this thread as soon I get some work done on my blades.

Very interesting shape for the scales and great choice of grain pattern. Mahogany gets a nice 3d iridescence in the grain that's beautiful.

That is actually piece of old baseboard from my fathers boat. But hey, as long it works :) For scales I wanted to do something special and different.

good work...i don't love wood scale but this are nice.
Kropp razors are amazing IMHO

I really like the design of those scales! I look forward to seeing the finished product.

I haven't yet received my micro fasteners to put all together. I have couple other sets of scales also waiting. I will receive four more project blades during this week but first I will finish these two restorations. I shall update this thread when I get all the fasteners etc.

Sorry to keep you all waiting :) (My head is exploding from the long wait time.)

Looks good. :tu

A tip you might want to keep in mind.... drill the holes while you have the pieces FLAT and still taped together.

This makes it much easier and the holes are perfectly lined up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Chevhead

Looks good. :tu

A tip you might want to keep in mind.... drill the holes while you have the pieces FLAT and still taped together.

This makes it much easier and the holes are perfectly lined up.

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That is the reason I made extra sets of scales. But have to see how these will turn out, scales are sanded but I left the pivot bolt place flat on purpose on both sides.

Kropps are always worth saving. And the other is a winner also!
~Richard

Kropp is now assembled. First ever pinning done also. That razor goes to my dad.

Apparently the Monarch scales cracked in some point. Well have to make new ones. Maybe from clear acrylic :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skalic

Apparently the Monarch scales cracked in some point. Well have to make new ones. Maybe from clear acrylic :)

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Or if you want to keep the same look try some bone or ivory micarta.

Some nice scales are made from split bamboo interior cuts and bleached that look like faux ivory.
~Richard

I would love to try different woods for scales. Only bad thing is that special woods cost like hell here in Finland. And the selection isn't that big if I don't travel to Helsinki.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skalic

I would love to try different woods for scales. Only bad thing is that special woods cost like hell here in Finland. And the selection isn't that big if I don't travel to Helsinki.

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But, I would assume that bone and antler would be a bit more reasonable there?
~Richard

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Skalic

Apparently the Monarch scales cracked in some point. Well have to make new ones. Maybe from clear acrylic :)

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Clear scales are my ENEMY!
SO HARD to get them "clear" EVERY LITTLE SCRATCH SHOWS. Just an FYI...

Yea bone and antler are easy to come by. I will get antler later when I get proper gear to make scales. Now making most of the work by hand.

What comes to the acrylic scales, I have to see how they turn out. I also have some dye for the acrylic so might also dye them. Have been sick now so haven't got any work done on the razors.

Here we go. Finally got the new scales for Monarch done. Here is the result.

I wanted to get some patina look on them so I painted them and after that showed some sanding love.