Thread: Benchmarks

In the thread that Vlad made of his WB restoration, the subject of benchmarks was brought to the surface by Ben.

I truly believe that the work Vlad made on his Wade Butcher razor should be a benchmark for aspiring restoration junkies. His pics will keep me on my toes and remind me not to get lazy.

I suggest you keep those pics handy so you have something to measure your own success by with this hobby.

I did not put this post in with Vlad's because I did not want his to go off on a tangent. On the other post I mentioned that my first benchmark was owning a Bob Crowder knife. When I felt I got that good, I found a new benchmark in Rick Eaton's knives. They are, however, beyond my financial reach, so I will have to be satisfied with his pictures.

http://www.eatonknives.com/

Absolutely. I'm completely inspired.

Here, here. I could never achieve such a feat and I know it. Boy am I glad you talented guys are out there.

X

Crikey Bill,

I'm glad we don't have to shave with Eaton's blades, we'd all be in the poor house. Beautiful work, though but a bit over the top for my taste.

Back on subject, Vlad's work is super, there again don't underestimate yourself, your knives and custome blade's are WORLDCLASS without doubt. There is great beauty in nature and simplicity and your work has those qualities and merrits whereas others tend to go overboard with too much work and detail.

Benchmarks are great to measure against but the benchmarks from some of you are very stratospheric indeed. We have a long way to go. Keep up the great work and offerings.

Gary

I want to add at this point that Vlad's work really serves to do more than just show what is possible when attempting to return what is obviously a worthy razor to a state in which it's ready for use and/or display. His efforts clearly demonstrate that comprehensive razor restoration is realistic, and his work emphasizes the notion that antique and vintage straight razors really should be brought back to life.

Yes the results look great. I am proud of them and beaming with joy but calls for promotion to sainthood and godhood are a bit premature.

Lets keep it in perspective. Everything except the etching was achieved with a few sheets of sandpaper, homemade sanding stick and a $20 jeweller's vise and pin (exactly the same as shown on Bill's CD). Oh, yeah and perseverence, which comes for free, all you have to do is make up your mind that you want it.

The etching is the cherry on top but it is not the cake nor the majority of the work.

Now, I for one completely refuse to believe that any one of you here cannot achieve the same result with the same tools, a lot of elbow grease and a little practice.

I posted the results to inspire you with how uncomplicated they are to achieve and not to make you feel like you are not worthy of achieving them. So please, get inspired and go out and restore some razors instead of feeling like these results cannot be yours.

Just do a couple of practice razors and you'll be surprised at how quickly your work improves. All it takes is patience and persistence.

Your first restoration won't look like the W&B. Newsflash, neither did mine. See, we are very much alike. If you keep at it you will get there. You just have to be willing to do the work.

No lights in the sky, not flash of brilliance, no walking on water or turning water into wine. Just do the work and strive to improve with every new attempt.

I am only human and only human at that. So what I do can be done by any of you, if you are willing to put in the required effort.

Sorry, got to go now. It's my turn to herd the unicorns.

Bill, do you mean like this one?

http://www.eatonknives.com/k_s1_01.html

Glen

p.s. wow!

Originally Posted by gglockner

Bill, do you mean like this one?

http://www.eatonknives.com/k_s1_01.html

Glen

p.s. wow!

Oh, yeah! I actually got to see models identical this one in the stages of construction. Rick would bring them to the shows as they were being worked on. I have never seen a better engraver. You should see that gold inlay and engraving up close. It would blow you away. I am surprised that his $53,000 folder is not on his web site. It was sold before he even finished it. I'm tellin' ya, there are some big bucks in custom knives when you are at the top of the heap.

Rick is one of the most humble guys you would ever run across. He and his dad are the greatest of people. If you guys ever get a chance, you should go to a knife show. Not a gun show with a couple tables of knives, but a dedicated knife show.

I will tell you this... You could negotiate a custom razor from some of them at a very good price.

I always wanted to learn the art of scrimshaw. I have met a couple of experienced scrimshanders, and they were among the kindest artisans I've encountered. Mr. Eaton's knives are just way beyond me. Wow!