Thread: Violin Scales with a new blade and matching wood box

I put a W&B Gentleman's Razor blade into the violin scales. It looks much better. The scales are nice and tight on this blade.

I was surprised how well balanced the razor felt with the new scales and to find that it is a superb shaver. I almost reconsidered using this blade for the scales but did not have another blade that would fit.

I also added a box with contoured inner liner with a velvet finish. The wood is matched to the violin body and neck with a brass contour on the cover. The bottom has no inlay, otherwise looks just like the top. Box and scales finished with Polymerized Tung Oil.

I used 1/8" rare earth magnets for the latch.

The color of the velvet is a nice green and uniform. The discoloration in the picture is a highlight from the halogen light and not a defect in the finish.





I will be putting this one on e-bay as soon as I can get some nicer pictures. My camera is a bit primitive and it is hard to get the white balance right, which offsets the colors.

Very cool!

RT

That is really great looking!! Good job.

And what a fantastic box too! It's a thing of beauty, practicality and inspiration. Can't wait to see what you've got next.

X

I am envious!!

Beyond Awesome!! Lynn

I just got this razor in the mail today, and before I say anything else, allow me to spit this out. I stole this razor at $150. That is from a collector's viewpoint. It also looks good to go to shave with. I will try it shortly, but forsee no problem whatsoever.

I also think that Vladimir should forever be donned with the moniker "McGyver" on these forums. I am dumbsruck with his forsight and ingenuity.

If he chooses, he will have a very sucessful following in the restoration community... and it will be well deserved. Did I say that I like the razor? I probably should not have said anything until after he put the stratocaster up on eBay

I wish I had been this good when I started out. The attention to detail is absolutely top notch. The box is outstanding. I need more of them for my other premier razors. I can only imagine what "McGyver's" stuff will look like a few years from now.

Vladimir... I hope you don't get tired of doing restoration in the near future. I look forward to seeing what you come up with down the road.

I am relieved that you are happy with the workmanship. I must admit I was very nervous and eager to find out your reaction after you get to see it up close. Whew! Thank you for the kind words.

Interesting that you mention a need for boxes . I find the DOVO 7 day set box a bit too plain for my taste and at $90 per box would want something a little more decorative.

I was considering making custom boxes for razors and I decided that my equipment was lacking to be able to make it cost effectively. I am now better equipped. I splurged on a Delta 14" band saw. I used a table saw for the voilin box one and found that the tiny dimensions are just a pain for that massive tool. The band saw is much easier to use and does not create so much waste.

The violin box took too long but I think I can cut that time down considerabley without cutting any corners. If it works then I can start offering custom boxes for 1, 2, 3 or any number of razors per box.

All boxes would be lined with a velvet finish just like the voilin. I like the soft lining to protect the scales from undue wear.

I am even considering making a large 3 drawer box that opens with all drawers staggered to make all the razors accessible. Sort of like a tool chest. The razors will be arranged with their length lying from front to back of the box. That way the number of razors per drawer can be customizable by making the box wider or narrower.

The stratocaster box will have a bit more detail. I am going all out on it just like I did on the scales. I have the design done but want to get the PSA sanding disk kits out of the way first. I also have the Strat strop fixtures done and will be making a handle next. Tony Miller said he is willing to make my fixtures and handle into a strop. I can't wait to see it done.

When the Strat goes on e-bay it will be a razor w. box and matching custom strop by Tony Miller.

I think that it will be a feast for the eyes, but then I am biased and more than a little "drunk" from your praise for the violin.

Vlad,
You should try to get your own TV show; "Orange County Razors". You could set up shop next to Paul, Sr.

Originally Posted by vladsch

I also have the Strat strop fixtures done and will be making a handle next. Tony Miller said he is willing to make my fixtures and handle into a strop. I can't wait to see it done.

That's funny. I was just watching Big Time, the Tom Waits concert film and at one point I caught myself looking at his guitar strap and thinking, 'I bet that'd strop well'.