Thread: Idiot Idiot Idiot

I was polishing up a razor last night, really scrubbing it. At one point I layed the razor down on its side (spine and edge) and pressed down hard on it. I think I bent the edge slightly to one side.
Its got a pretty good hollow to it, and its a 6/8 so I think its reasonable that I may have bent it a bit. I looked at it again this morning and it doesn't look as bad as I remembered. I'll check again when I get home to see if my imagination has run away with me.
Is it reasonable to think I may have bent it?
How do I fix it?
How do I really dig into a blade in the future w/o making the same mistake?

This razor is likely to be at the center of my collection, I love it like a brother.
Somebody help me out.

Mike

It's more likely you cracked the blade. Check it with a magnifier. You could've just bent it, but trying to bend it back is very likely to crack it, if it hasn't already. I had a really nice razor that was cracked, and I didn't even see it. Another person found them with a magnifier.

When I'm restoring a razor I usually don't place it on a surface. I hold the razor in my hand and go from there. Anything that needs more pressure gets the spine put in a clamp and some dremel work.

Mike,

It is bound to happen don't flog yourself over it. You should not have to put pressure on a blade while cleaning it. If you need pressure then whatever you are doing is not the right abrasiveness.

If polishing, then you need to sand. If sanding then you need to go to a lower grit.

I don't know if you can straighten it out if it is bent. Like Joe said you might crack it. Even if you don't, getting straight is going to be very difficult. If bent you might not be able to hone one side at all.

I would prepare myself to write it off and if you manage to save it then it will be a pleasant surprise. Otherwise, you might be flogging yourself again.

Everybody learns there limitations some how. I like to work on folded up newspaper. That way the razor has some give, the edge is protected some and there is no pressure being applied to the scales.

Glen

Thanks fellas,
It does have a slight bend to it. I'd like to see how it hones. If it hones poorly, the razor will go behind glass. I won't try to bend it back. The thought of trying gives me chills.
Live and learn. I'll keep working on this stuff and lean on you guys for advice and consolation.

Mike

Originally Posted by TMike

How do I really dig into a blade in the future w/o making the same mistake?

After destroying a few blades, I started using magnets. You get them a Sears for $2.

I place them lengthwise behind the blade and pull it back so the edge is behind the edge of the magnet. That protects the blade and my hands. I can also put the magnet on a flat surface, like the anvil of a vice, and work on the razor with both hands. The razor won't fall, it won't bend, and I won't be taking a chip out of the edge, like I'm prone to do.