Thread: Adding a Barbers Notch

Is it possible to add a barbers notch to a razor that does not currently have one? If yes any takers on doing it to a Wapi? How much?

In my opinion, yes it is possible. You can really modify a blade in any way that you can remove metal. I have done it. The only thing to watch out for is to make sure that the heat generated from metal removal does not change the temper of the blade. Sorry, but I am not taking any work right now. I'm sure others would also be more than able to help though.

Originally Posted by KHillstrom

Is it possible to add a barbers notch to a razor that does not currently have one? If yes any takers on doing it to a Wapi? How much?

I've never considered notching a Wapi, well intentionally that is. The geometry of the Wadi will require a large amount of steel to be ground off to get the toe of the blade perpendicular to the spine. You will have a lot smaller razor by about 7/16ths. I don't think I'd care to do as the time it will take to grind the steel without letting heat up to the point of losing temper will make it a slow process. Something like a W&B 1/2 or 1/4 ground in 6/8 would able to dissipate the heat more efficiently and you wouldn't change the geometry of the blade. Wapis are just too sweet a blade to mess with.

Thanks for the replies, the heat issue never occurred to me. I think I will let my lust for a barbers notch wait for the time being.

Or if it's an extra WAPI, experiment. Do it slowly and then show off the results...

check with catman he did one.

I've done bunches...if a guy knows what he's doing, it's easy, and takes just a few minutes.

Diamond burr of the right diameter makes short work of the job,just watch the heat,as mentioned by the two previous posters best regards Gary

I've done it 2 times with a dremel, and a 4/8 drumwheel at 15000 RPM.

Its dead easy. Just be sure that if you put presure on the wheel, the direction of the wheel is always so that it tries to push back. Otherwise the dremel will suddenly jump away.

Give it a try, and you'll be surprised at how easy it is.

I have done with a couple of old razors. Simplified... Here is how;

Draw with a permanent marker the shape of the cutout as close to spine (thicker part of the blade) as practical.

Dremel Flex Shaft with drumwheel.

Several layers of news paper or cloth around the entire blade to hold the blade firmly in hand (best if the blade is dull).
Slowly cut it out, stay away from the tip, keep pressure going towards the spine.

After 1/2 to 1 hour, all done, finish up with sandpaper.


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