Thread: Blade Alterations

I have a Henckels that belonged to my great grandfather. It has a crack in the blade about 1/4" from the heel. I'm interested in actually using the razor, at least a couple of times, but would like to do some restoration as well. Is there a way to repair the crack as is or do I need to remove metal (that doesn't really worry me, I'm just wondering if there's a better route). So, I've included two images, a before as the razor exists now and an after that I made in GIMP in about 10 minutes just for visual reference.

I'd like voting results and opinions about this. I'd also love any advice anyone has to offer before undertaking this.

Before:

After:

Thanks everyone for their input!

If you want to use it then you're going to need to to get rid of the crack. Check out the restorations threads and you'll find a few guys that have done what you've shown before

Haha, you didn't leave much room for a kinder "don't restore it" option! I too have a couple razors that were owned by previous generations in my family. I have one that came back from Japan in/after WWII. Possibly a touristy sort of thing that the GI's picked up to send home, but it's got a story none the less. It is effectively incapable of being used without heavy grinding and alterations, but I wouldn't dream of doing anything to it like that. Once the metal's gone, it's not coming back. Trust me, there are TONS of razors in need of restoration if you want to whet your appetite. If this is your first restoration, I REALLY suggest leaving it alone. After some experience is gained you can give this razor a shot. Good luck with whatever you choose,

Andrew

I suppose if you want it to be more than a wall hanger doing what your gimp image portrayed would be the way to go. If you do that don't leave a spike point at the heel. They bite.

Shadow box display...

+1 for what adbuett said. I voted for leaving it the hell alone, but don't for a second think doing so would make you a putz.

First, do no harm. I totally understand the desire to shave with your great grandfather's blade, and only wish that I had a similar one to give me the same dilemma. But if you take it to the grinder there's no going back.

It's your razor now. Do whatever you want to make it yours.

Thanks everyone for their input on this.

Based on the results, it looks like like I'm leaving it alone. I have an old Crown that I just started restoring, so I'm not really itching for a restoration as I have one in progress. While I think it could be a lot of fun to shave with it, I agree that perhaps a shadow box display or some other "heirloom" arrangement is probably best suited.

There will be other razors...

I, for one, found your GIMP solution to be quite imaginative. I have little sentiment for something that is non-functional. +1 what mapleleaf said. I would go for it, but then again, as someone who is always tinkering, that is my nature. I do agree with Cangooner that you might consider rounding the heel. If you have the talent, which you seem to indicate you do, my vote is to go for the restoration as you posted in your picture!

Randy

Originally Posted by gssixgun

Shadow box display...

Yup!
That is a piece of family history, keep it as it were when used by your great granddad.
By a similar one and use that for the actual shaving.