Thread: Large chip in toe - what to do for aesthetics?

My great-grandfather's razor got a chip in the toe a while ago, so I smoothed it out with files, but I have a hard time shaving with it when I see the spine but the toe is now farther back. Here's a picture:



I was thinking of trying to grind down the spine to the level of the chip (shorten the blade). Do you think this would be ok if I made sure to go slow and cool? It's full hollow so I'm a little wary of using the grinder. I think I would have to take the whole chunk off rather than taper up to the existing spine because the chip is a good 3/8" in.

I'm not really a restorer but have been reading the workshop a lot lately and I would say your best bet would be to grind the toe down to the chip and make it a shorty! You could even make it a French point if you wanted. But that's my $.00002 and I know guys that know what they are doing will chime in! Great looking heirloom however and once you get the chip sorted a great piece can pass down!

I have done this before and as the previous poster said, you can make it a "shorty, wether it becomes a square, round or French point is up to you. If using power tools go slooow! Watch for heat, best thing to do is hold the metal on the shank while grinding and when your hand gets warm quit and quench, repeat when blade is cool.

I did this before too using Dremel cutting (flat) wheel using super low speed (to avoid heat) at 1000-2000 RPM. BTW get glass of water with ice to cool down blade. It does take some time but blade was pretty cool during cutting. Also remember face blade away from you and don`t forget about your personal safety. My end up with round point which "virtually" extending blade. Really take your time and I manage cut blade without any problem. Now one thing... polish end of blades (after cut) on the sandpaper, rounded (if you choose round point) as well piece of paper. Do not use Dremel or other tools. Why... as I think after cutting you already stress blade to level when it can chip... again.

Thanks for the input. I have a rest on the bench grinder, but the edge would have to be facing up. Is it wise to grind like this, or should I support the blade edge downward in the air as I grind? (Haven't done grinding on razors before)

Here's the result. Went nice and slow with lots of cooling, turned it into a sort of spike point. It's a shorty, but will shave great as soon as I hone it again.

Looks pretty good to me, nice save.