So Here's The Thing...

I need advice. I started my adventure with straights a few months ago. From the very beginning I've had a bit of an interest in restoring and perhaps making my own custom razors. But because I'm so new, I feel it would be premature to open a shop without some more experience. I suppose I feel like maybe I'm going through a bit of a honeymoon phase and I want to make sure that I'm committed before committing.

The story is this. I work for a small time CCTV/Highend Audio/Access Control company, I have 0 experience with metal work (aside from the occasional door frame butcher). As far back as I can remember I've had this thing with being a blacksmith, making knives or blades of any kind. I've always liked that kind of old school way of life, I associate it with being "manly" LOL. Anyways, I'm at a crossroads in my career, my job has become unsatisfying, my boss has become too rich and under appreciative, and the long of the short is I want out.

I'm a meticulous worker, I appreciate perfection, and I've recently begun hand sanding a few old straights I received off of eBay. I quickly have come to the conclusion that if I had the proper tools, the job would speed up, and with my attention to detail, I feel I could really excel at this. But I don't know how or where to begin, or if I even should.

So I guess I'm looking for advice, knowledge, inspiration or a dose of reality?

Thanks so much for reading :)

HFN


PS.. The reason I posted here is because I figured it had to do with workshops, resoration, custom work etc. Mods please feel free to move this where ever you see fit :)

Great to hear of your new found interest but you have to start the way we all start a small business. Small and one step at a time.
Restore some blades, sell them. Restore other ppls blades. Learn to make blades from ppl that have done it before. Then go from there.

Thanks that's some sound advice. I just had a guy at work tell me it takes 10000 hours to master something. So at least I've started haha.

ask your coworker what happens after the 9,999th hour that makes you a master :D good luck!

Well, I surely can't give you any advice since I'm also new with this, but I can tell you what worked for me :)

Couple of months ago I've found my grand-grand father razors and thought how it would be if I just clean up all that rust and shave with them. Googled up, found straightrazorplace, found some videos on restoration but I was kinda disappointed about all that tools I'd have to get, not to mention a place to install them :)

But then, I saw a video on youtube with a fellow cleaning up a razor with a dremel and I said "well, it's not that expensive and I could use one in the house, anyway" so I bought one along with the polishing kit. For sharpening, after reading a bit, I got a naniwa 1000/3000 combo stone and a belgian blue (for finishing). I've put a few good hours of work, but now I have a clean razor and I've shaved 3 times with it and lived, lol. Now I'm waiting for another old banger, from ebay this time :)

So, IMO you can start cheap and small without breaking the bank and see where you go from there.

Regards & good luck!
Adrian

The only way to know for sure is to try to restore a couple junkers and try to make some scales. This is the place to learn how to do it in theory, the only way to learn for real is to practice in your own shop.
You'll soon find out if you are committed or not. Yes tools make life much easier and are essential if you plan to do it professionally.

My advice, try to see what you can do with a couple old junkers and then compare that work to what you see on this forum by some of the pro's. Do you think with some practice you could come close to their work?

Then you weigh the pro's and con's and try to see if it will be worth it to you to devote much of your free-time to restoring razors.
The real test for me personally was being able to unpin a razor without damaging the scales, believe it or not, that is the most nerve-racking part of every rebuild for me. So much can go wrong in the tinest fraction of a second, you slip and all of the sudden you have broken someone's prized set of scales.

Practice on your own junkers for a while and see how you feel about it.

My advice - don't leave a job that pays your bills for something that won't do the same.
Spend $5 on sandpaper and try to clean up a razor. Powertools are just doing the same thing faster, and are extremely useful to ruin a perfectly good razor.
You'll probably have to figure out the honing part too, as I doubt anybody wil trust a restoration service that won't result in shaving razor, for all they know you may have just ruined the temper in the pursuit for money.

So, do this as a hobby for a while and then you'll see if you can get enough work at enough profit to replace your day job.

As a guy who's been self-employed for 25 years, I want to emphasize that all of these comments are excellent. Make sure your razor business is pulling in real dough while you're working full time elsewhere. Don't quit a good job w/o having all the licks down first. 10,000 hrs may be an exaggeration, but there's also a lot of truth to it. I'd recommend spending a year or more doing this as a serious hobby, and then if you still feel as passionate about leaving your "real" job--and only then--send some private mail to three or four of the master restorers who hang out here and ask them if it's possible to really make a decent living restoring and honing blades.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by hoglahoo

ask your coworker what happens after the 9,999th hour that makes you a master :D good luck!

---

I think you get struck with lightning and bells ring around the world as pixies dance and your name is put into songs... LMAO

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by algernon

Well, I surely can't give you any advice since I'm also new with this, but I can tell you what worked for me :)

Couple of months ago I've found my grand-grand father razors and thought how it would be if I just clean up all that rust and shave with them. Googled up, found straightrazorplace, found some videos on restoration but I was kinda disappointed about all that tools I'd have to get, not to mention a place to install them :)

But then, I saw a video on youtube with a fellow cleaning up a razor with a dremel and I said "well, it's not that expensive and I could use one in the house, anyway" so I bought one along with the polishing kit. For sharpening, after reading a bit, I got a naniwa 1000/3000 combo stone and a belgian blue (for finishing). I've put a few good hours of work, but now I have a clean razor and I've shaved 3 times with it and lived, lol. Now I'm waiting for another old banger, from ebay this time :)

So, IMO you can start cheap and small without breaking the bank and see where you go from there.

Regards & good luck!
Adrian

---

Thanks, I believe that starting slow is a good plan. I'm working on 2 razors as we speak. Its been quite a learning process, but I've enjoyed every second of it.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by UPD

The only way to know for sure is to try to restore a couple junkers and try to make some scales. This is the place to learn how to do it in theory, the only way to learn for real is to practice in your own shop.
You'll soon find out if you are committed or not. Yes tools make life much easier and are essential if you plan to do it professionally.

My advice, try to see what you can do with a couple old junkers and then compare that work to what you see on this forum by some of the pro's. Do you think with some practice you could come close to their work?

Then you weigh the pro's and con's and try to see if it will be worth it to you to devote much of your free-time to restoring razors.
The real test for me personally was being able to unpin a razor without damaging the scales, believe it or not, that is the most nerve-racking part of every rebuild for me. So much can go wrong in the tinest fraction of a second, you slip and all of the sudden you have broken someone's prized set of scales.

Practice on your own junkers for a while and see how you feel about it.

---

Thanks for the advice. I've got my junkers sanded up. The first I got to a mirror finish. I learned quite a bit. I had to reshape the point after I damaged it... hehe oops. It looks quite good though. I had no trouble unpinning, I used a file and some electrical tape, it worked wonders. Now Ive gotta figure out how to repin it :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by gugi

My advice - don't leave a job that pays your bills for something that won't do the same.
Spend $5 on sandpaper and try to clean up a razor. Powertools are just doing the same thing faster, and are extremely useful to ruin a perfectly good razor.
You'll probably have to figure out the honing part too, as I doubt anybody wil trust a restoration service that won't result in shaving razor, for all they know you may have just ruined the temper in the pursuit for money.

So, do this as a hobby for a while and then you'll see if you can get enough work at enough profit to replace your day job.

---

Of course you are correct. As much as I want to leave my job, your right I should stay. It puts food on the table. I've committed to buying the sandpaper and a dremel (I know its not the preferred tool around here, we use them at work so I'm pretty good with the thing). As for the honing, I recently sharpend 7 razors of mine, some with some small crack, some that were NOS. I did quite well, I'm kinda proud of that point... however my first attempt about 4-5 months ago didn't go so well LOL I'm still to scared to try and fix what I did to that poor razor of mine :) oh well live and learn right?

Thanks for the advice, I think every comment here is right, I'll start this as a hobby, and I'll see if I can sell a razor or 2, and see where it goes :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by pcg

As a guy who's been self-employed for 25 years, I want to emphasize that all of these comments are excellent. Make sure your razor business is pulling in real dough while you're working full time elsewhere. Don't quit a good job w/o having all the licks down first. 10,000 hrs may be an exaggeration, but there's also a lot of truth to it. I'd recommend spending a year or more doing this as a serious hobby, and then if you still feel as passionate about leaving your "real" job--and only then--send some private mail to three or four of the master restorers who hang out here and ask them if it's possible to really make a decent living restoring and honing blades.

---

Thanks so much for the post, believe me I'm really paying attention and I really appreciate all the comments and advice. I think the end goal is I want my own business. I'd love it to be part of something that I have a real passion for. I won't quit my job, but boy do I wish I could LOL. I'll take my time and learn all I can. I'm hoping to find a bladesmith in my area. And if I'm lucky I'll get him or her to teach me somethings :) Thanks for your advice, and your time limit on beginning this journey :)

I might be wrong, but I would be surprised if most of the custom razor makers didn't have full time jobs in addition to the razor making.

+1 on all that's been said, it's the wing-walkers credo, don't let go of what you have until you grap solidly on to some thing else!!! Job pay's the bills, keep it!! You may or may not stay with razor honning and restoration, it's best to have the bills payed while your deciding. IMHO. Have a good one.

tinkersd

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Blix

I might be wrong, but I would be surprised if most of the custom razor makers didn't have full time jobs in addition to the razor making.

---

I guess I'll find out after I spend some more time learning. Then I'll email the Pros, and maybe they'll have some advice :) I hope...

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by tinkersd

+1 on all that's been said, it's the wing-walkers credo, don't let go of what you have until you grap solidly on to some thing else!!! Job pay's the bills, keep it!! You may or may not stay with razor honning and restoration, it's best to have the bills payed while your deciding. IMHO. Have a good one.

tinkersd

---

Thanks, I think everyone is right. I'm sure we've all been where I am with a job. I used to do really great work for my boss. Actually our whole crew did. We all cared. But moral is really low now, and no one is happy. Its not a healthy environment. But as you said it pays the bills.

I can't quote examples, but as well as some commercial razor restorers probably still having jobs, I am sure most established a demand for their services by a considerable volume of work which they did as part-timers. It is a bit like medicine. A doctor can complete his formal studies, but his qualification has to be validated when he has seen a lot of sick people. Sick razors can have diverse problems too.

I've done one or two restorations which looked at least close to being as good as anybody's. Where I fell down, I realised, was that it took a lot more time, both working and resting, than a professional restorer could possibly be taking, and making a living. Anybody who paid the prices I'd have to charge, either for a service or to buy something I'd bought in a derelict state, ought to have his head examined, and might possibly get it.

There are few commoner sources of career or interpersonal disaster than doing what seems manly. Working on something you know you can get right is a good start. In particular, anything that can speed up razor sanding and polishing has the potential for producing disaster in a moment, either by munching a piece of edge or by overheating. That includes the Dremel. If it is a valuable piece of your property you plan to sell, that's bad. But if it is a customer's, it may be professional suicide in one easy step.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HigherFasterNow

I had to reshape the point after I damaged it... hehe oops.

---

I think while you're still saying things like this you shouldnt go into restoring and making blades full time. If someone had sent you their grandads razor to clean up they'd want it back mint.

I've been at this hobby a few years now and I've just got into restoring blade myself and its definitely trickier than it sounds! I also recently did a bladesmithing course and thats definitely way harder than it looks a well..!

I agree with the other guys, start out as a hobby and then see how things go. If you still like it and you start restoring for others see whether its feasible to make a living out of it. But definitely dont give up a bill paying job without another one to replace it! :)

OK
Everybody gave great advice on keeping your job and such. But what about the doing?

Below are 4 great books that are more than enough to get you started. These books with a few hands on or at least watching seminars will give you what you need.

Step by step

$50 knife shop

How to make knives


The Complete Bladesmith

And last but by far not the least join Don Foggs bladesmithing forum.

Many of the very best are there and they love to share. Plus there is years of information in old posts and pinned topics.

Best on the net in my opinion.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Caledonian

I can't quote examples, but as well as some commercial razor restorers probably still having jobs, I am sure most established a demand for their services by a considerable volume of work which they did as part-timers. It is a bit like medicine. A doctor can complete his formal studies, but his qualification has to be validated when he has seen a lot of sick people. Sick razors can have diverse problems too.

I've done one or two restorations which looked at least close to being as good as anybody's. Where I fell down, I realised, was that it took a lot more time, both working and resting, than a professional restorer could possibly be taking, and making a living. Anybody who paid the prices I'd have to charge, either for a service or to buy something I'd bought in a derelict state, ought to have his head examined, and might possibly get it.

There are few commoner sources of career or interpersonal disaster than doing what seems manly. Working on something you know you can get right is a good start. In particular, anything that can speed up razor sanding and polishing has the potential for producing disaster in a moment, either by munching a piece of edge or by overheating. That includes the Dremel. If it is a valuable piece of your property you plan to sell, that's bad. But if it is a customer's, it may be professional suicide in one easy step.

---

Good points :) I know I'm not ready to do it full time. This is just the beginning :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Stubear

I think while you're still saying things like this you shouldnt go into restoring and making blades full time. If someone had sent you their grandads razor to clean up they'd want it back mint.

I've been at this hobby a few years now and I've just got into restoring blade myself and its definitely trickier than it sounds! I also recently did a bladesmithing course and thats definitely way harder than it looks a well..!

I agree with the other guys, start out as a hobby and then see how things go. If you still like it and you start restoring for others see whether its feasible to make a living out of it. But definitely dont give up a bill paying job without another one to replace it! :)

---

Roger that. For now its just a hobby. You are right of course, as is the wisdom of everyone thats posted here. I really appreciate you and everyone has taken to share your thoughts. Now I've got to trudge off to work LOL.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Danocon

OK
Everybody gave great advice on keeping your job and such. But what about the doing?

Below are 4 great books that are more than enough to get you started. These books with a few hands on or at least watching seminars will give you what you need.

Step by step

$50 knife shop

How to make knives


The Complete Bladesmith

And last but by far not the least join Don Foggs bladesmithing forum.

Many of the very best are there and they love to share. Plus there is years of information in old posts and pinned topics.

Best on the net in my opinion.

---

Thanks so much for posting. I'm going to order those books tonight as well as start looking at the forum :) this really helps alot :)

Even recognized master smiths making razors have trouble from time to time to pay the bills. There are not many people earning the big bucks in that niche world. If you quit your job now without even knowing which end of the hammer to hold, you'll be living under a bridge in a cardboard box before you got to the point where you can afford such luxuries as a house, a family or a loaf of bread.

I knew a master razor restorer (Vlad) who shared with us the cost / benefit calculations of some projects he did. Razor restoration is not worth it. The only way to make a living is to make high end customs. and many of the customs makers I know still have a day job (or are in retirement) because razors don't pay the bills.

By all means start making razors, experiment, get feedback and be prepared to spend a long time learning the craft and paying your dues. Do it in whatever free time you have left while also doing your day job to stay alive and earning money for the hardware you need. And if you ever get to the point where you are a recognized name and you have done the calculations and you can foresee making a living... then quit your job.

Otherwise you might as well say that you don't have a drivers license, but you are considering quitting your day job to become a F1 driver.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Bruno

Even recognized master smiths making razors have trouble from time to time to pay the bills. There are not many people earning the big bucks in that niche world. If you quit your job now without even knowing which end of the hammer to hold, you'll be living under a bridge in a cardboard box before you got to the point where you can afford such luxuries as a house, a family or a loaf of bread.

I knew a master razor restorer (Vlad) who shared with us the cost / benefit calculations of some projects he did. Razor restoration is not worth it. The only way to make a living is to make high end customs. and many of the customs makers I know still have a day job (or are in retirement) because razors don't pay the bills.

By all means start making razors, experiment, get feedback and be prepared to spend a long time learning the craft and paying your dues. Do it in whatever free time you have left while also doing your day job to stay alive and earning money for the hardware you need. And if you ever get to the point where you are a recognized name and you have done the calculations and you can foresee making a living... then quit your job.

Otherwise you might as well say that you don't have a drivers license, but you are considering quitting your day job to become a F1 driver.

---

Thanks for taking the time to write and consider my situation. My intention at this point is to study and learn and keep doing this as a hobby. From all the kind and wise repliess to my original post, I'd like to say thank you to everyone. You've given me the wisdom and patience to endure and the motivation to learn a new trade before moving on. Last night I ordered the books as suggested by one of our fine members here. I look forward their arrival :) if anyone else has any suggestions I'll gladly look into them :)

Yeah. Just get started.
Buy a couple of older razors on ebay, take them apart, and start restoring them.
It does not matter if you succeed. It does not matter if the first attempt look amateurish or plain ugly. It does not matter if you accidentally mess up halfway.
It only matters that you try.

And don't discard a blade when you make a mistake. Just finish it, figure out what you did wrong and move on to the next.

I am currently making scales with bone inlay.
In my first attempt I destroyed the scales.
In my second attempt I destroyed the scales in a different manner.
In my third attempt I am halfway with something that merely looks bad.
But it is structurally sound so I'll just finish them, warts and all.
The only way to learn something is to do it and make mistakes and continue.

I'd sure like to see those scales. They sound awesome :)