Thread: To Bread Knife or not to Bread Knife

Got my hands on a 7/8ths razor that has a quarter inch crack (split?) in the blade. According to calculations, I could still have a decent 5/8ths if I breadknife past the end of the split. otherwise, all I have is a nice curio piece with a crack. Any input on this one? Way I see it, I could breadknife, or hone the living crap out of it. This was a cheapie acquisition, but I really want the practice making old items usable again...
Jym

IMHO, a quarter inch crack means that the razor is hosed.

Got any pictures of the razor with a closeup of the crack? Even though the crack is visible up to a certain point, I think the metal's integrity could still be in question beyond where you could see (correct me if that's wrong).

I wouldnt breadknife, you end up doing twice the work, especially if you have a 1/4 inch crack.

What is the grind? If it is a wedge you will have to remove a ton of steel, and breadknifing won't change that.

It's a hollow grind. Here's a pic, hope it comes out:


Jym

Looks like two cracks that cross each other. I think you might end up with a shaveable razor , but it may end up under 5/8"

do you have a diamond file?
i would file down to the bottom of that crack first to hopefully stabelise it.
then honing with a 45degree angle for a few hours

IMHO, trash it and get another. Way too much work, way too many better blades out there. As you hone you will be putting pressure on the blade and that crack will increase, if you use no pressure, you will NEVER finish it! Then there is the spine wear to consider.

But if you must try it be sure to tape the spine and do not breadknife.

umm another suggestion would be to file of the toe outside the crack
Yes the blade will be short but atleast you can use whats left

Dont remember exactly where the info on shortening the blade is, so ill not make suggestions how