Thread: First project.

Greetings Gentlemen.

I've been away from these forums for quite awhile, sort of got too busy for the straight razor thing this summer. I forgot how much I love this stuff. Anyways I'm back at it and have finally decided to get at restoring a Wostenholm & Son's I picked up off Ebay a long time ago. This is my first attempt at fixing up on older razor so I wanted to get your advice on a few things before I get going.

I'm not sure how bad of shape this razor is in. It definitely has some pitting and also a fair amount of tarnish. So first off, I just want to make sure this razor is worth my effort in the first place. As you can see by the following pics, one side is fairly clean, not much pitting and a moderate amount of tarnish. The other side has definitely got some pitting in a few spots and even more tarnish. (Sorry for the crappy pics, I dont have the best Camera.)





Oh. I forgot to mention there is also a small chip in the edge, I'm sure you noticed that.

Ok so here is my next question. This is what has been bothering me the most. This Razor appears to be a 3/4 or perhaps a full hollow ground?? (not sure about that). Assuming I go ahead and restore this blade do I really have the option of taking off much metal? I would be handsanding this razor. Is it possible to remove the tarnish and Pitting without compromising the edge? (Here is a pick of the grind)

Sorry for the long post everyone. Apollogies.

I was planning on following the recommended grit progression on the papers. i.e. 80-120, 150, 180, 240 etc.

I would love to get everyones feedback on this. Being my first razor I'm just a little hesitant to start. One last pic of the stamping on this razor. It seems fairly clean, I should be able to save this stuff without a problem.


Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Matthew.

I would start that one at 120 or 150 grit-- it isn't too bad. I'm sure you've read up on your sanding progression, technique. etc.

For your more specific questions: You will be able to remove the tarnish, you may not remove the pits. Keep track of how much material you have left, and try to get a feel for when enough is enough. That looks like a good first project-- best of luck!

Thanks for the reassuring words. I was thinking I probably wouldn't have much of a problem with this one, not it to terrible of shape. But what do I know? Thankfully most of the pitting is on the thicker portions of the blade so hopefully I will be able get it all removed.

Matthew

Originally Posted by MatthewShropshire

Sorry for the long post everyone. Apollogies.

I was planning on following the recommended grit progression on the papers. i.e. 80-120, 150, 180, 240 etc.

I would love to get everyones feedback on this. Being my first razor I'm just a little hesitant to start. One last pic of the stamping on this razor. It seems fairly clean, I should be able to save this stuff without a problem.


Looking forward to hearing from you all.

Matthew.

you might also consider working that heel back a bit while you've got it on the bench... looks like it's starting to hook a bit.

Here is a link
http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...ing-heels.html

Del1r1um, thank you for calling this to my attention. I see what you are talking about. Certainly not something I would have noticed on my own.

However after looking at the link you provided I am feeling somewhat befuddled. I understand the concept, but I'm not sure I'm totally clear on the procedure. Can anyone help me out on this? Also onimaru55 mentioned Diamond plates. Not totally sure what is referred to here. Are these similar to Diamond sharpening stones?

Originally Posted by MatthewShropshire

Diamond plates. Not totally sure what is referred to here. Are these similar to Diamond sharpening stones?

yeah... diamond plate/stone etc. Basically any safe way you can go about reducing that area without getting hurt or risking injury to your blade... either on a diamond hone or even sandpaper on glass or something like that would do the trick.