Thread: 2 bladed razor

Greetings! My next strange project is to construct a 2 bladed razor reproduction as some from antiquity which I have seen pictures of. Such an example is in the first picture. I have procured 2 identical Sheffield England razors as shown in the 2nd pic for using in this project.
My question is this: Is there anyone who has examined a 2 blader so as to advise me on the construction of the bottom wedge? There seems to be a need for a design which keeps one blade secure while shaving with the other. A divided wedge of sorts?? Trying to make it as authentic as possible! Any advise would surely be appreciated.

sharptonn;

First of all, here is a link to an article I posted over on B&B about a two-bladed razor: Antique Double-Bladed Razor - Badger & Blade

Just to hit some of the high points:

The old style razor had no lock mechanism to hold either blade fixed. The second blade and handle are held together by the hand (and fingers) in the usual open position for shaving. As you might guess, the balance of this form of razor is pretty poor, because the weight of scales and second blade together are heavier than the single blade that is being used to shave with. This means that the handling is very 'tail heavy'. I didn't find it very agreeable to use.

That spacer at the front end (at least on my butterfly razor) is nothing special at all. I should also point out that it does not really have a wedge shape.

Another problem with this design is that the blades have no balancing tang extentions. They are lopped off right behind the rear pin. This lack of a tang extension to the rear of the pivot pin eliminates an important point of finger control and makes the whole thing feel weird in the hand as compared to a normal straight. Even allowing that you can cleanly cut off the tangs of your two razors, you would then have to grind the tangs thinner so that they will fit together in a (reasonably) thin enough package.

All things considered the butterfly form of razor is something of a clumsy compromise which was intended to save a bit of space and offer two blades so that the user could shave longer (theoretically) before needing to go back to the hones. Perhaps it did this, but there is certainly no need for this today.

In my opinion (for whatever it is worth), I would politely advise that you don't waste two good razors trying to cobble together a reconstruction. Even the two, older razors pictured in your post appear to be worth more (and have more real functionality) than the end result of what you are contemplating.

If the choice were mine, I would invest some time in cleaning up the two razors you have there, make a clean display box so that they become a proper 2-day set and then wait patiently for a real two-bladed razor to show up on the market.

Oh! er, what you said! These things are widely published about these 2 bladers and I understand. I guess I did not clarify that since these razors are not particularly valuable, I will be making a 2 blader out of them and would like to know if anyone has an idea on how to construct the wedge. You know. Workshop help! I have the rest pretty much handled! This will be primarily a display piece, or curiosity, as they are, of course! 2 bladed razors come to market rarely and fetch a lot of money for a display piece! I have often wondered if they are not an item produced by individual craftsmen, and not ever a factory-made razor??? If this is the case, I will be a 21st century craftsman, in making one. This way, I can have one to display with little outlay!(poet) I do appreciate your advise and the thread from bb. Some nice info and pics there.

sharptonn;

Here are some photos with measurements to set you on the right path.

I think you can puzzle your way around the size and shape of that 'spacer'. As I mentioned earlier, it really hasn't much of a wedge shape at all (if any). As to the material from which it is made, well I'm not about to take a knife to it for closer inspection, but it is either a very dense hardwood or else perhaps something like heavy leather boiled in wax.

The rivets and washers are probably soft iron.

The bone scales are slightly tapered in thickness from middle towards ends.

There are no jimps on the blades and, yes, the thickness along the spine does vary slightly. I don't know if that variation in thickness is due to hone wear or whether it was originally forged that way.

Oh yes, another observation. It is possible that the bone was formed into that gentle shape prior to being assembled. I have read that bone can be softened and bent by being soaked in a solution of vinegar for a day or so, then formed as desired, clamped in the new shape and allowed to dry. However, I have never tried such a process and cannot comment on if/how it really works.

Hope this helps.

- Ignatz

Thank you sir. This is very informative. It would seem grinding down the tangs to make the blades center as best possible will be the biggest challenge! The measurements and photos will be of great help! Thanks again, Tom

sharptonn how are you doing in manufacturing of the double razor? At what stage you have stopped. I ask not with idle curiosity. The matter is that I want to make such razor.

lezcha, I suppose I have not had time to work with it lately. I have saved these photos from Ignatz which will prove to be quite valuable as I proceed. I will PM you when I take it up. I felt that much grinding and fitting will be required to do a proper job. Also the measurements which Ignatz has so graciously provided will be the key to success. If you go ahead before I do, Please post here! Regards, Tom

sharptonn , Greetings! Today has begun work. Here two preparations, has made хонинг. I think to make as at the normal razor, with tails. I apologize for quality of a photo, removed on work as phone. Carbonaceous steel У7 width of a butt 4,5мм is dense width 20мм. Tomorrow if there will be time will continue.

I need to subscribe and see how this turns out.

Originally Posted by jdto

I need to subscribe and see how this turns out.

Indeed! I had an idea to make one from two old identical razors. It would seem lezcha is making the whole thing himself!