Thread: Chips, how big is too big?

This question is sparked by reading Manah's post: http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...w-b-razor.html

I understand the variables here so the question is sort of a loaded one. Two of the main factors I can think of are chip positioning and original blade width.

The above link shows the W&B was beautifully done and that Manah is a legit pro, but before now, I would have looked over a blade with that large of a chip. Now I'm reconsidering my opinions on a lot of "eBay specials."

I'm thinking of picking up a blade with a nice sized chip to see if I can work any magic. It'd feel good to rescue a razor in the way shown above.

You're only going to know what you can accomplish when you start pushing the envelope of comfort. I say grab a few ebayers and start honing away.

I think the assessment is something that will come with experience. You could definitely buy and hone. Another method, though it may be somewhat more variable, would be to get good photos of chipped blades, post them up, and see what people think. I've seen some very impressive photoshop phixing done to razors.

I think it depends on the razor and the reason for restoring it. In manah's case he obviously knew he had the skill and he liked the razor well enough to go to the trouble. In your case you are testing the waters, if I understand correctly, to develop the skills. Nothing wrong with that. I honed a large chip out of a 9/8 Joseph Rodgers once because the razor was worth the labor involved. For me it would have to be a razor I really wanted to invest the time and effort in. Not a garden variety shaver.

Same with frowns. Even more so. I once invested a heck of a lot of time in a Hermes because of the challenge of being able to do it, and I wanted that brand. They were the progenitor of Merkur and I have a thing for Merkur straights. It turned out well enough but now I avoid razors with frowns like the plague.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I think the assessment is something that will come with experience. You could definitely buy and hone. Another method, though it may be somewhat more variable, would be to get good photos of chipped blades, post them up, and see what people think. I've seen some very impressive photoshop phixing done to razors.

I fixed one only a few weeks ago with Photoshop

I'm here to assist! just print it out and glue it on!

Photoshop Fix