Thread: first razor restore (in progress)...help needed

Hello All,

So I am in the middle of my first razor restoration and have finally reached a point where I have a lot of specific questions. First off, thank you for all of the advice you've unknowingly given me so far!

I've been pretty cautious when it comes to the restoration process...I started with my grandfathers old dagger because it was substantial enough that it would be pretty much impossible to ruin, and had pretty good results and got a feel for how much metal is removed how quickly, etc. Keeping in the substantial theme, I started with this big old bobtail. It's 8/8 at it's widest point, full wedge, and the spine is a hair under .25" thick. I hand-sanded at 180...for what felt like a very VERY long time...and am just about to start moving up after one more 1/4 sheet of 180, but I have a few questions before I do.

first off, pictures (my apologies there aren't pictures of both sides, but it's about the same on both sides...before and after, for that matter):




Question 1: Is there a good method to get inside the shoulder while hand sanding? I know I can get at it sanding vertically, but it's quite a bit more difficult horizontally and I'm worried I won't be able to get the vertical lines out to give me the mirror finish I so desperately seek if I can't sand out the vertical lines.

Question 2: As you can see, the spine has some discoloration I left...what you may not see is the faint etching that says "Magnum Bonum" on the spine. Is there a way to remove the discoloration, without removing the etching...I have no problem leaving the minor pitting to preserve the etching, I just would rather lose the discoloration. Have I found myself into the age old problem of "Lose the etching, get a shiny razor" or "Keep the etching, and convince yourself the discoloration adds character"?

Question 3: I know, it's my razor and I should do with it as I please, but I'm having the damnedest time thinking of what to do for scales for this big mamma jamma. It originally had straight (real) ivory scales, but unfortunately they are not able to be saved...I am, however, hoping maybe I could use a piece of the ivory as a spacer for the new scales I make. I know I want natural material...and I'm tempted just to get some black horn and go the classic route, but I also think this big guy could stand for a little creativity as well. What would that be, might you ask? I have no idea...so I'm open to suggestions! Also, it would be helpful if there are specific things I should or shouldn't do for functional purposes...

Question 4: (Last one) Does anyone know ANYTHING about this razor? I can't really find a thing about it. Do I need to call in manah?

Thank you so much for reading all of this and thank you in advance for your input!

Cheers,

Ryan