Thread: Materials for Making Bolsters

I am curious about where to buy brass plating to make bolsters? I have some razors I am giving a Christmas presents and I want to make them more decorative.
I also have questions about unpinning razors. I file off the washers but, on some of my antique razors I Keep breaking scales near the hinge pin trying to unpin them. How can I elimiate this form happening?

Originally Posted by treydampier

I file off the washers but, on some of my antique razors I Keep breaking scales near the hinge pin trying to unpin them. How can I elimiate this form happening?

Get a set of cheap 'precision' screwdrivers from your local dollar store. The smallest ones should be narrower than the scale pins. Optionally, cut the tip off and file it flat. Use it to push the pin out through the holes.

I have found really thin brass stock at my local hardware store...

As to pins check out this Wiki link....

http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...and_Re-pinning

Originally Posted by treydampier

I am curious about where to buy brass plating to make bolsters? I have some razors I am giving a Christmas presents and I want to make them more decorative.
I also have questions about unpinning razors. I file off the washers but, on some of my antique razors I Keep breaking scales near the hinge pin trying to unpin them. How can I elimiate this form happening?

Trey, you are only half an hour from Stamford. There's a great scrapyard I go to frequently not far off I-95 Exit 6. Now this is a secret that I don't want gettin' out so don't tell anyone. The place is:

Vulcan Surplus
60 Taff Ave., Stamford, CT
(203) 357-1720

They even have a website!: http://vulcanscrap.com/

Just inside the gate is the stainless and aluminum. If you continue in, the second building on the left is were they keep the brass, copper and bronze. The place is run by a pair of identical twins. Don't deal with the evil one.

Brad

Seems to be a little known fact to the Razor community, but a lot of us blade makers buy from Texas Knifemaker's Supply and Knife Kits.com.
Both websites have plenty of materials for bolsters, scales,even blades, etc.
Just remember to exercise self control.... shopping there you can always find tonnes of stuff you need that you didn't even know about...

A coupla things I learnt the hard way.

Make sure your pin punch is long enough not not bottom out if the pin lets go suddenly.
If you use a timber base with a small shallow hole drilled in it that risk is also lessened.

Sometimes, a bent pin will exit easier from the other side. Often if I can release one scale. I'll do the process again on the other side or simply snip the bent bit. Less distance for the pin to travel.

Finally, a layer of electrical tape over the pins prevents a lot of scuffs & scratches while allowing easy filing.

Thanks for the info, the Texas supply company is aweseom and I did loose control, but I found some great supplies for scales. I get a scroll saw for Christmas and can't wait to ge started!