Thread: Win some, Lose some

After trying to get a Carl Monkhouse razor to line up in the scales. I made the decision to straighten it out or break it trying... I'll give you 1 guess what happened.
At one point I had it close enough to stop but was committed to the task, so I stayed at it.
To be clear, this isn't my first razor I've straightened but it has been awhile since I broke one.

that'll buff out.

It's easy to forget they don't all come out that way. 'Takes a certain humility and honesty to share the failures. Everyone that does gets more respect from me.
I've also been thrilled to view some of your successes, and they are really impressive. I admire your determination and expect your work will be amongst the better offerings soon. Keep pounding, polishing and stoning.

Hey Brian
Ouch! My heart sank seeing that, as I'm sure yours did when that happened . I have been in your shoes trying to make a razor with a twisted tang work, very frustrating!

An easier method to get it to center is make a tapered washer

maybe with some crazy imagination and the right tools all is not lost ;p

Originally Posted by jasp

maybe with some crazy imagination and the right tools all is not lost ;p

Time to Wikipedia some silver-solder and/or TIG welding.

What little I've looked into silver-soldering is definitely more feasible.

Don't know how that thin thin metal would take it....and I doubt anyone's tried it before...but hey, one adventure leads to another adventure. You could be the first.


Oh, and yes...my heart goes out to your and your Monkhouse. I've had a favorite pair of Paduak scales that split-out while I was trying to peen the brass. ...and losing the scales doesn't even compare to losing a blade.

It's always bad when you brake a razor but I went into it knowing it was a 50-50 chance. To me you have to be in that mindset if your going to start smacking, clamping and flexing a razor.
The very first one I broke was a nice W&B, man did I love that razor. When it snapped my heart dropped.. While the Monkhouse hurt, it was nothing like the first one.

I'm working on plan to salvage the blade. Who knows if it will work but if it does I'll post a pic.

I'm not sure why you thought you could straighten through-hardened steel... but there was a 100% chance of braking this razor when you started "clamping, hammering, and bending."

I have to agree with Ben. Trying to bend hardened steel is asking for disaster. It may have worked once or twice or a few times in the past, but it's not something I would ever try.

There are a bunch of tricks you can use to get razors to center in scales, but none of them involve bending the razor.

ARRRRGGGGHHH Matey, be there any TIG welders in your family?!