Thread: Should I sand this Blade further?

I'm assuming I should, but I really don't want to screw this razor up. I just got it off ebay this week and have been sanding the blade for several hours. The pitting isn't too bad, but I don't want to keep grinding away if it might hurt the blade's geometry. It's such a cool razor that I'd like to get the blade smooth and mirrored.

Should I keep going or just polish it up as is?

Looks like some of those pits are pretty deep and you'll have to take off quite a bit of steel to get them totally out. I personally like to see a little bit of "character" in razors. I'd just polish it up like it is and leave it with some of it's battle scars. JMHO

Its hard to tell from the pics, but I wouldn't risk it. They can be great shavers and I too like a little age.

sme as above. adds character and why risk a beautiful razor???

Yeah I agree with you guys. I'll just polish and get her ready to shave. Can't wait to try her out!!!

+1 to everyone, I would leave it as is. I've owned /restored a couple of those and they r super hollow and really u can't take much metal off before u start to compromise it . Those scales look to be in great shape( most of the ottos succumb to cell rot and can't be saved) so it's nice to see one in all its glory congrats !! They are amazing shavers too

You should always make a mental note of the flex in the blade before starting & see how that changes as you progress. Of course you can still still sand right thru some stiffer steels but that's my yardstick.

She's a beauty all right! I feel lucky to own one. I didn't expect to win the auction. There was more pitting than there appeared from the pics on ebay (but I guess that's always the case somehow). But I can sit and stare at the scales all night!

Super hollow is the real issue here. Don't forget that to remove pitting on both sides, you would be removing double the depth of the pitting. Even if it doesn't wear a hole, it could leave the razor very prone to fracture. In this particular razor there is a lot to be said for leaving well alone.

I agree with what's been said, it adds character, no point going over the top with it. Personally speaking perfection rarely looks good on razors and knives, seems a bit clinical in my opinion. Pitting and patinas sell the dream to me as it's a little slice of history. Beautiful find there, lovely looking scales! Nice one!