Thread: Update carved scales

Here they are. I am going to put a finish on them and then post the finished razor. I'm not sure what finish yet. Any suggestions? IWill post again when the blade is on. Mack

Wow, those are beautiful. What did you carve them with?

I usually use chisels when carving but have been trying power carving with a dremel and small burrs. I don't know if I like it or not. The edges are not as crisp. I might have to use my tiny chisels to clean it up a little or maybe I just need more practice to figure out how to do that. Anyway thanks for looking and commenting.

Awesome work Mac!
I wonder if you could do a darker finish for the background and leave the carving a lighter finish for contrast. That would look nice.

Originally Posted by shutterbug

Awesome work Mac!
I wonder if you could do a darker finish for the background and leave the carving a lighter finish for contrast. That would look nice.

+1!!! I was just thinking that a contrast in the finish between the lower and higher areas could make the relief pop more. Maybe the contrast will improve as you clean up the lines with a small chisel.

Can't wait for the final result! Already looks awesome!

Good idea, I will try that.

Originally Posted by mackie

I usually use chisels when carving but have been trying power carving with a dremel and small burrs. I don't know if I like it or not. The edges are not as crisp. I might have to use my tiny chisels to clean it up a little or maybe I just need more practice to figure out how to do that. Anyway thanks for looking and commenting.

Ah, I tried using a burr while carving a jewelry box lid, and I just couldn't get the hang of it. The lines weren't smooth, and I had a very difficult time controlling the depth of the bit

Several coats of a linseed oil type finish like Formby's would darken where the deepest reliefs are from what I remember on refinishing an old make-up mirror for my wife. A hand rubbed finish would also give it an instant older look versus a shiny & glossy finish that looks more modern...

OK, here's what I did. I used some dark stain on the background with an artist brush and when dry rubbed it well. I then sprayed a light coat of satin finish polyurethane varnish on it. It looks good. Waiting for it to dry to see how it will look then. Polyurethane is very water resistant so that will be good. I sprayed both sides to protect the inside of the scales from moisture. I will put the blade on today. Thanks for all the help.
Shooter, I already finished it out but I like your suggestion and will definitely try that on the next one.

Those are coming along very nicels, Great work Mack!