My First Wedge Refurbish

Here is 13/16 Joseph Elliot Silver Steel. THis blade was in rough condition when I got it and cold still use a lot more polish, which I might do later. There were a lot of pits and there are still some, but none were near the edge and after sanding and more sanding, the only way to achieve perfection was a regrind, so I did what I could without getting worn out with it. The third pin was not intended but was from another razor the scales were originally designed for, but I thought it turned out well. I have always seen comments on here that make these old wedge blades seem to be the greatest shave. I have found I like the hollow grinds better, but I am going to hone this baby tomorrow and see if I change my mind. Either way I will not be keeping it. The wedge and scales were made by me and are Purpleheart. The finish is a hand rubbed oil finish. I intended to use a Brass Wedge but the material I had was too narrow for this blade. The blade does not center, but it does not scrub when closing. All the Hardware is brass. Let me know what you think, this was my first purpleheart scales so any suggestions on working with it or the design are appreciated.

Why is the blade crooked? Usually that can be fixed with some sort of pin manipulation. Or is it something like the hole through the scales is crooked and they wouldn't line up straight at the hinge end if the blade was straight?

Great looking razor...ENJOY!!

I am sure that there is a way to make the blade align perfectly. However, some of the old Sheffield blades were apparently made this way. THe blade is actually not centered with the tang. Now there are people here who can do special things with the pins I am sure and make it look perfect, however, I am not them. Personally, so long as the blade does not scrub, I don't care about alignment in a razor that is possibly over a hundred years old (I have no clue how old it is but Joseph Elliot was from 1821-1954 according to the Standard guide to Razors). It is a more perfection/ cosmetic thing. The holes through the scales were done with a drill press when each side was glued together with double sided tape after sawing, so they may be crooked but I can't tell with the naked eye. The scales line up fine, its in the blade and it can be seen if you are looking at it in your hands.
Thanks!

That's nice work! You've advanced so far with the resto's. The next step must be to concentrate on centring the blade. It's most likely the holes in the scales causing problems. If you can get it close it can be tweaked a little with washers.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by treydampier

The holes through the scales were done with a drill press when each side was glued together with double sided tape after sawing, so they may be crooked but I can't tell with the naked eye.

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Congratulations, it looks like a mighty fine restoration job.:tu
I certainly don't want to rain on your parade, but on the slight misalignment issue: I would reexamine the method for drilling the holes on the drill press. On the 3th and the 5th picture it is very noticeable that the second pin is not running perpendicular. Maybe your method for placing the scales on the drill press' platform is not as bulletproof as you might think? Just trying to offer some help here. Otherwise an outstanding job. Love the Purpleheart.

Best regards,
Bart.

THanks for the comments. To address your observation. In the third pic, the pin is the extra pin form using the sclaes on another razor and it was hand drilled (obviously I was way off). However, the hinge and wedge pins were done on the press. But, after looking at the press you were right. I measured every way I can and I am literally off about 1/32.
My question is, if I unpin the hinge and drill a second hole in front the one that is off, and only on that side, would that make the alignment perfect? THe way I am seeing it I think it might overcompensate. But for future purposes I will be more careful. I think I am going to leave it alone and do some more finishing work on the blade because at least it doesnt scrub.
Thanks for the suggestions though because now in the future I will be more aware of alignment when making scales.

THanks!

You may be able to correct it if you fill the old hole with epoxy, then re-drill. You'd probably have to use a washer or bullseye pin to hide the evidence of the first hole though, so it depends how much it bothers you. Good luck with the next one. Look forward to seeing it!