My First Restore - Wostenholm

[jendeindustries]

Hey guys, I just did my first attempt at a restore, and would love some feedback. I've attached some pics.

Thanks!

[Maximilian]

Tom,

that looks really nice. I can still see some minor scratches coming through but it's not bad. Can you please tell us what exactly you did and used for the razor resto? Sandpaper? grits? Buffing wheel? Dremel?
When using sandpaper always make sure the scratches from the previous grits are gone before going to the next higher grit.
Great job.

[nun2sharp]

Have to agree with Max, you can still see the scratches quite easily.

[jendeindustries]

I used small slip stones up to #2,000 grit. Those last scratches are from that stone. The pictures came out waaaay too clear!

I was switching directions on each grit - from #240, #320, #600, #1,500, and #2,000. The curve in the blade made it difficult to get an even finish. I found the slip stones got that aged patina off quite well, and those scratch marks in the blade were fairly deep.

I like the results of the stones for getting the surface back, and I just went out and got some diamond polishes - #600, 2K and I had some 8K and 15K already. I will go back and try again with my rotary tool and the pastes, and finish off with some CrO2.

BTW I left the handle of the blade a little rougher because I was afraid to wear down the metal, and erase the imprint. The steel of the blade was much harder than the handle, so I didn't want to overdue it. Any suggestions about that?

Thanks for your feedback

[singlewedge]

Time, patience and a buffer.

I hand sand all my blades. The reason that the blade is harder than the tang is that the tangs are not typically heat treated. So they are softer than the blade which is heat treated.

[jendeindustries]

Time, patience and a buffer.

I hand sand all my blades. The reason that the blade is harder than the tang is that the tangs are not typically heat treated. So they are softer than the blade which is heat treated.

Thanks! Yeah - I figured the tang wasn't heat treated. I was actually surprised to find that out!

Last night, I went to the diamond polishes and got a better result, but I think I need more time to get those scratches left by that last slip stone. They don't want to come out that easily....I've been taking baby steps, not wanting to overdo anything - low speed on the rotary tool and limited diamond paste- so naturally I'm under-doing a little.

The learning curve on the first piece is always the steepest. I'll post new pics after.