Thread: My First Full Restoration

Take a look at this. I know its not much but this old Hibbard Spencer was deeply pitted and rusty to the point it was black all over. I should have taken its original picture but I havent found it yet. I managed to get it this far. THe scales are the first I have ever made. The sanding went on and off for about two weeks and many sheets of paper. I then honed it with an Arkansas Oil stone to set a bevel, then 250 laps on the NOrton 4K then 500 Laps on the 8K side since Old School commented that doubling the strokes usually works for honing. I know there are some stains on the blade and there was an imperfection where I pressed on the hone, but overall it shaves as well as my pre-ordered shave ready DOVO. I also know there are some very small pits I couldnt get out close to the tang, but you have to look hard to see them. The scales are just plain old red oak with a walnut stain. LEt me know what you think as this is my first full restoration and with the purchase of my new Craftsman Drill Press and a Dremel Scroll saw I want to be a professional at this within a few years. I know form the ads and from the forums that this site demands perfection, just please help me get to that point with good criticism.