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.

Vlad,

Very nice! Now, would you please stop it! These gorgeous razors are killing me! Well, at least I have my max bid in. I know I won't win, but I have to try!

RT

Cannot get the pictures on e-bay. Razor looks great!

vlad... that is one of the sexiest inanimate objects I've ever seen. That wood is beautiful, and that incredible glossy finish just blows me away. Very slick scale shape too; it just looks like it'd be so comfy in my hands :)

question though... how on earth do you finish with cyanoacrylate? all my experiences with it end in some part of me being stuck to something.

Beautiful work! I really like the blade and what you're doing with the brasswork. The wood itself is very nice, but I'm still undecided about the shape/contours of the scales.

Absolute junk...

Please cancel your ebay auction and send the razor to me for proper disposal :D :D :D

***Stunning***

Gary

Vlad, you will have to post pics of my Henckels when it's finished. So I can drool whilst it's in the post.

Your work is inspiring to say the least. I'm still not sure how you coat with superglue without everything else sticking to it though :hmmm:

Gary

THAT is a work of art. Can you get one for under $50 bucks?
Beautiful job.
But I agree with Bill it would safer here with me. That one might affect your reputation.

RT, I will probably do a lot less work in the months to come. Not because I don't enjoy the results but because I don't have much time to work on them. So you won't be tempted as much in the future. I promise! Maybe just enough to see if you really meant it.

Bill, I could cancel the auction and kill two birds with one stone. Send the junker to you for safe disposal and save RT the temptation. :hmmm:

Popeye, I don't know what this world is coming to but no one seems to want to spend 20 hours on restoration, scales and box and then let it go for $50 or less. I am still looking and will keep you posted on the progress. BTW, does the $50 include S&H? :D

CA finish is a bit quirky. I almost glued myself to the scales the first time I used it. Had my fingers coated with CA for a few days. Since then I am more careful and have developed lightning reflexes. As soon as I sense the unmistakable feeling of CA curing on my skin I pull away before the glue sets. So far I had to sand out a very thin layer of skin left in the scales only once. You also have to be careful about splashing it on you. You don't have to glue yourself to something else, you can just as easily glue two parts of your skin together and make life uncomfortable for a few days.

You don't want to feel overconfident when applying this finish. It sticks to skin faster and better than anything else. After all, it was originally forumlated to be used as a stichless method for attaching blood vessels and tissue during surgery.

You could also get some CA solvent and take a bit of the edge out applying it. I will probably pick some up soon.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Popeye

THAT is a work of art. Can you get one for under $50 bucks?

---

forget about it.
works of art don't usually come for a price that low

Vlad,
I will step up for the S/H I'm that kind of guy.
As for the world it's going to hell in a handbasket.
I will wait anxiously for the results of your search.

I am going to try to learn restoration work. My first set of scales will be that wood you put on those. If hadn't broke the bank on Ebay this week I would be after that puppy.(always a day late and a dollar short)

The way I see it currently. I used to want to own a nice TI sometime in the future. Lately I've revised this desire and decided that when I finally have money (and I hope it's not too long into the future although it could be up to a year or two) I'll instead get one of Vlad's pieces of art. I'd much rather have those. It's a matter of style I think.

Once again I'm in awe. I'd bid myself crazy on this one, but "luckily" it's a meatchopper size 7/8 and I'm not comfortable with blades that large.

I'm still holding out for that next 5/8 or so that comes along :)

Vlad, I have to say you're a real razor maestro. I'm in awe of your talents.

-- Gary F.

Well, I've been outbid, but I'm outta cash, so please, if anyone was NOT bidding because I was on the hunt, go for it!

RT

Vlad,

Another fine creation you've done. They seem to just get better and better. An absolutely beautiful razor.

Ed

Heh heh heh...

Nobody called it...

Congratulations (damn you) Bill!

I ran out of money half way there!

RT

Nice catch bill. good to see vlads magnificent creations stay in the srp community.

Thank you all for the encouragement.

I am glad this one went to Bill. It is a compliment for me to have my work in Bill's collection and under his keen eye.

This razor is a one of a kind. Chances are good that I won't be repeating my work. I am easily bored and the only way for me to keep an interest is to keep raising the bar and to try out new ideas. Repeating previous results seem like work and not fun.

I will let you know when the finish on the next project is cured enough to be drooled on. :D

Thank you all for the encouragement.

I am glad this one went to Bill. It is a compliment for me to have my work in Bill's collection and under his keen eye.

This razor is a one of a kind. Chances are good that I won't be repeating my work. I am easily bored and the only way for me to keep an interest is to keep raising the bar and to try out new ideas. Repeating previous results seem like work and not fun.

I will let you know when the finish on the next project is cured enough to be drooled on. :D

Gee Vlad ,I thought you would do a bit better job than that,
Kidding of course
beautifull,what else can be said
have a good day,and I hope it sells for what it is reallllly worth
Kind regards Peter
PS last time I put any pics up of my work

I have to stop looking at these posts. I have sworn off buying.. Ok for a while anyway.:D

I got this razor in yesterday's mail. I am amazed by the quality and attention to detail. I'm pretty sure I have over 500 razors and the numbers continue to grow. Out of all of them, I can safely say that I have at least 50 really nice ones. This one is staying in my rotation and I know it will remain one of my guarded favorites.

Excellent job, Vlad. I am happy to have it.