First razor....new scales

[r3tic]

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