Thread: UGLY yet GREAT

Encouraging those short of skill, tools&material, and spare time to make usable razors. These scales are made from window blind wooden shutter slats. Get them at window shops or ask for box store samples. The reverse gunstock pattern makes for ergonomic stropping. Hinge pin is 6-32 brass screw, the other two are 5-40. Blade hinge hole was drilled with a masonry 1/8 bit (slowly with oil) and reamed/honed with 320 grit paper using a small cotter pin as a mandrel chucked in a cordless drill. A final dip in Varathane Floor Finish completed the project. J.R. Torrey blade in cheap simple scales. The irony (steelery?) here is that something so ugly and simple can shave so greatly. Later I might Maas and polish all for shiny looks. Meanwhile just rig up that unused blade and enjoy something simple and gentle. Robert

Hey- I think it looks great. Didn't even notice the blade- I was too busy checking out the scales. Might have to try out a shape like that. Have never felt a comfortable grip while stropping with my current scales.

I really like the shape of the scales!! They look very nice to hold. And I agree that looks have nothing to do with shave quality. The razor I like isn't the shiniest, there are still some marks on it, and has very plain scales, but shaves very well!

So even something ugly can do a good job. (Makes you wonder if the same applies for women...JUST JOKING! )

Dave

Did you peen over the screws on the back side, or just use washer/locknut? I'm trying to learn how to do some of these simpler projects, so appreciate the help. A pic of the other side would be nice.

I think your razor looks great! Enjoy the shaving until you get around to disassembly for buffing out some/all of the patina!

Lou, Yes I peened the screws after carefully sawing (with the extra length firmly clamped in a vise) I used a very fine hacksaw blade between the vise jaws and the nut, being careful not to collide with anything on the razor. I left about 1/16 stock filed good and flat for peening. I had a piece of hardwood scrap to use as an anvil so that the screw head slot wasn't battered (didn't want it to look tacky) during peening with quick frequent strikes. I love a 3-pin razor. Use an electrical crip terminal fitting sleeve cut to blade width for a spacer there. I mention here that there are washers at the hinge-smoooth and firm. Yes!

I guess what makes this little razor so special aside from the OUTSTANDING shaves (search Torrey in the forums) is that it cost a total of $5.25! Total! I love the concept of salvage. Doing stuff like this gives me more money to have for really nice things to post about later perhaps. Although ugly, it is the best edge I have. All the things I have learned about: breadknifing, bevel setting, honing, and stroping paid off in spades on this one. Good luck doing yours. Ain't this a lot of fun? Indeed! Robert

I like your post and your razor.

Great attitude!

Charlie

Good on you Robert. $5.25 won't even buy a pack of Mach3 blades here.
I've got a favourite 'ugly' that won't ever get to the restore stage. I'd rather just use it but if it ever needs scales blind slats might be the shot

My gruesome Marshes Marshian makes small children cry, and can curdle a glass of milk....

But man, oh man, it sure can shave!!!