Thread: Before & After

I just got in a very heavy, old, 1/4 hollow Thiers Issard I thought might make a good restoration project. I couldn't be happier with the way it turned out. The pictures really don't do it justice (because I'm a sucky photographer). In this post, I'll post the 3 before pictures. In the next, the 3 after pictures. I wanted to re-use the original bone scales, but they didn't survive the de-pinning process, so I had to make some more. The new scales are patterned off the original, but are cocobolo, with a CA finish. Please be kind, as this is the first one I've posted up here. (although lots of you have bought some I've refurbished off my site...thank you so much).

Here are the 3 "after" pictures. It now has 3-pin cocobolo scales with a 12-layer CA finish. It has phosphor bronze pivot bushings, and bullseye pins on head and butt, with a stainless steel 3rd pin spacer. I left the finish on the blade as a bright satin, but could bring it up to mirror real quick if I wanted to. About the only thing I lost was the "Le Gnome" etch on the blade. I really believe this one's gonna be a killer shaver. The carbon content, as shown by sparking during the refinishing, is unbelievably high, so it oughta take a good edge, and keep it. I'll post a follow up as soon as I hone it and shave with it.

Looks unbelievable Joe! Nice job. I bought a razor on ebay that has some light rust (I don't know about pitting) and would love to get it that nice looking.

John

Joe...shame on you! That is some serious razor porn!

Incredible job!

RT

I need a new box of Kleenex after seeing this baby

That's an incredible piece of work, Joe. Are you going to sell this one?

Top shell there Joe, great finish to the blade.

Gary

Originally Posted by DMS

That's an incredible piece of work, Joe. Are you going to sell this one?

I'm sure I will. As soon as I get it shave ready, it'll go up on the site. Formerly, I'd put them up and hone them after someone ordered it, but that caused a problem and a delay if I got a bunch of orders, so all my new ones I put up will be shave ready, and ready to ship as soon as they're ordered. It'll delay some going up, but they'll be ready to go when they do.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

Here are the 3 "after" pictures. It now has 3-pin cocobolo scales with a 12-layer CA finish...

What tools and polishes do you use to get a blade like that?

Can you give a brief overview of the process?

I have a dremel. Should I use the polishing paste that comes with the dremel, and 'go for it' on one of my ebay SEs?

I glot to bust some moves. not doing nuttin over here.

Originally Posted by icecow

What tools and polishes do you use to get a blade like that?

Can you give a brief overview of the process?

I have a dremel. Should I use the polishing paste that comes with the dremel, and 'go for it' on one of my ebay SEs?

I glot to bust some moves. not doing nuttin over here.

Get Bill's CD. Read everything you can find on here. Make custom knives for 4 years. That'll teach you just about everything I know. Seriously, I've made a significant investment in tools and materials, but flapwheels, radial bristle discs, a Foredom tool, super glue, Cocobolo wood, brass rod and washers, a buffer and 3 different buffing compounds are all you need to get one like that. Oh, and sandpaper.