Why you should make sure to be very careful while cleaning and polishing your razors.

[Blazed Monkey]

Yep, it finally happened. I was cleaning up one of my antique razor finds, getting it ready for honing and full restoration, and I slipped:




Luckily, the bone in my finger slowed the blade down just enough that it remains attached. The cut extends the full length between the two arrows I took that pic about 10 minutes after it happened, even after putting pressure on it, it was still bleeding that bad. Guess that'll teach me to go slow and maintain a better grip. Luckily though, that was at the very end of the cleaning session, so I was happy I at least got to finish.



Before pics:

[Blazed Monkey]

After pics:












I know it doesn't look like a whole lot was done, but:
-the pins are totally clean now, no gunk
-the inside of the scales are clean
-the pivot pin is MUCH looser, as all the gunk around it cleaned off
-the gunk on the tang is gone, as is the gunk on the blade right in front of the shoulder


Still needs a little work, but not bad for just a cleanup on a $5 razor, that is still wicked sharp, as evidenced by MY FINGER!

[JMS]

Where are the "after" pictures of your finger?

[Blazed Monkey]

Where are the "after" pictures of your finger?

I'll let you know when it stops bleeding long enough to take a good pic


I have a bandaid on it now, wrapped pretty tight to help staunch the blood flow. Styptic pencil just burned like a banshee and did nothing to slow it down. Couldn't even put any triple antibiotic on it yet because it just kept mixing with the blood.


Once it stops bleeding, I'll take another pic, but that will probably be tomorrow

[nun2sharp]

Must be the MDT(missing digit test)

[Blazed Monkey]

Must be the MDT(missing digit test)

[documentary man voice] "Often regarded as being the most accurate test of a blades true sharpness, the Missing Digit Test is one that is not often practiced in the modern world. When we asked our 95 year old honemeister, Johnny "3 Fingers" McGee, about it, he would only tell us that, "Them ole boys, they were real men back in the day. None of that 'Hanging Hair Test' mumbo jumbo, we left that nonsense to the woman-folk."

Sadly, 3 Fingers McGee passed away before we finished editing out documentary, due to blood loss. He was found in his workshop on the floor, with a freshly restored razor by his side, and a note written in blood that simply said, "Now THAT'S sharp!" This filming is dedicated to his memory, and what is now a lost art form. [/documentary]

[CactusBob]

Where are the "after" pictures of your finger?

I believe those are the after pictures!
Welcome to the club BlazedMonkey, I'm willing to bet most of us have slipped a time or two


Bob

[ChrisL]

I believe those are the after pictures!
Welcome to the club BlazedMonkey, I'm willing to bet most of us have slipped a time or two


Bob

I'd hope even though most of us have slipped (me included), that most of us don't slip that badly. I know I haven't.

Cut proof fish cleaning gloves are inexpensive, adequately form fitting and a must when using machinery (buffing wheels, etc) but also when handling razors in any significant degree during hand restoration work.

Your pics remind me that I should get another tetanus shot. I think my last one was over ten years ago.

Chris L

[Maximilian]

Your pics remind me that I should get another tetanus shot. I think my last one was over ten years ago.
Chris L

Chris,

very smart advise and mostly overlooked! They should make this a sticky

Adults should get their tetanus shot every 10 years.

[CactusBob]

Cut proof fish cleaning gloves are inexpensive, adequately form fitting and a must when using machinery (buffing wheels, etc) but also when handling razors in any significant degree during hand restoration work.

Chris L

Very true, I have a pair of gloves that I got from work that are designed to protect against glass, sharp metal and razor blades. If I can find out where they purchased them from I will pass on the info



Bob