Thread: Experimenting

I was reading some stuff about spiral patterns on gun barrels done with orbital sanders and thought that it looked really nice and figured I would try it on a razor tang. The razor I decided to try it on was an Ern Second Choice that had quite abit of rust on it. I wasn't able to get the pitting out since it was pretty deep and the razor wasn't all that thick. I took the sander to the tang and sides of the spine and mirror polished the top of the spine and top & bottom of the tang. Ended up with a bunch of tiny circles tightly locked together instead of big swirls. Kind of has a look to it like galvanized steel. It really sparkles in bright light that doesn't show up in the photos. Razor still has a slight frown in it that will have to come out, but the hard part will being trying to figure out the scales for it that will go with the pattern on the tang. I have a few garbage razors that I think I will have to do some more experimenting on.

that is an interesting look. i've done a similar thing with a wooden dowel and some valve grinding compound, spun in a drill press. gives it that engine turned look.

This is what I was hoping for. Granted they usually spin the barrel while sanding it, but I was hoping I could get the same thing without spinning since I can't do that with a razor. Or can I? Hmmm..... I can see some injuries in my future.

Here is a better picture of it. Didn't turn out like the above photo, but has a different look to it. It also gave it a different feel. Feels smooth, but with grip.

That's really cool! I've thought about using etching solution on the spine and tang and tail, its been done by others ofcourse, I haven't gotten around to it. Wonder if anyone has done sand blasting, probably, just can't remember seeing it.. ?
Do such treatments cause blades to be more susceptible to rust?

Originally Posted by MikeT

That's really cool! I've thought about using etching solution on the spine and tang and tail, its been done by others ofcourse, I haven't gotten around to it. Wonder if anyone has done sand blasting, probably, just can't remember seeing it.. ?
Do such treatments cause blades to be more susceptible to rust?

Yes. Definitely. Anything that allows moisture to creep into places you can't reach increases susceptability to rust.
Satin finish is also more susceptible than mirror finish.

Originally Posted by Bruno

Yes. Definitely. Anything that allows moisture to creep into places you can't reach increases susceptability to rust.
Satin finish is also more susceptible than mirror finish.

Agreed

Any more, I just get them as shiny as possible. If the pitting is problematic, I have used gun bluing to help seal the steel. If bluing is not an option I make sure the blade is well rubbed with Maas.

Particular attention is always placed on the pivot. I try to get the pivot as sealed as possible.

Originally Posted by rolodave

Agreed

Any more, I just get them as shiny as possible. If the pitting is problematic, I have used gun bluing to help seal the steel. If bluing is not an option I make sure the blade is well rubbed with Maas.

Particular attention is always placed on the pivot. I try to get the pivot as sealed as possible.

Auh yes, gun bluing, I've wanted to try that one at the very least to put the blue back on those vintage tangs that have rubbed off. But for sealing pitting? Is it because it puts some kind of barrier to prevent more oxidation kindof like how surface oxidation seals in aluminum from further decay?

Originally Posted by MikeT

Auh yes, gun bluing, I've wanted to try that one at the very least to put the blue back on those vintage tangs that have rubbed off. But for sealing pitting? Is it because it puts some kind of barrier to prevent more oxidation kindof like how surface oxidation seals in aluminum from further decay?

I will leave the official explanation to the gunsmiths such as live in Idaho or Kali but that is the intent.