CV Heljestrand with Purpleheart scales.
I finally got this restoration finished. It is about three weeks late but the results are pleasant. This project started out as a Bengall, but after I cracked that blade during restoration I shifted it to the Heljestrand. This blade I thought needed no work, but upon closer inspection saw the tiny pitting. After the usual 8 hours of hand sanding it came out very nice.
The scales are purpleheart finished with CA (cyano-acrylate). They gave me a bit of a hard time as I tried to use a thicker CA hoping to get faster build up of the finish. Instead I was rewarded with air bubble inclusions which I had to sand out all the way to the wood. In the end there was no time saving by going that route.
This wood fluoresces under halogen lights used to take these photos. Their color is more purple and darker when viewed under daylight or fluorescent lights.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/image...rp_Gallery.jpg http://straightrazorpalace.com/image...urp_Detail.jpg http://straightrazorpalace.com/image..._Purp_Open.jpg
If you ever wanted a nice Swedish blade this one could be yours. I listed it on e-bay, the usual 3 day listing and $0.99 start, no reserve. Considering this one is not a W&B or Wonderedge, I am convinced that it won’t go anywhere near the previous auction prices. So this may be your chance to snag it.
If you are interested in this one the e-bay listing is here. The e-bay listing has more pictures and you can supersize them if you want to see more detail.
BTW, the grip on these scales was inspired by Gary's scales. Thanks for the inspiration Gary.
I am going to be doing a bit more experimenting with scale shapes and decor over the next month or so.
Let me know what you think of these scales.