Thread: Replacing lost frame on a W&B frameback with titanium

This post follows from discussions in two other posts (below)

http://straightrazorpalace.com/vendo...r-customs.html

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ird-spine.html

Basically; I bought a W&B 5/8 wedge and the ebay pictures didn't demonstrate a small notch on the spine which was evident when I received the razor. I posted here to find out what the hell it was and the opinion of most eminent fellows was that this was a frameback which had lost it's frame.

LOOKED LIKE THIS
Attachment 113661

SHOULD LOOK LIKE THIS
Attachment 113663


Gssixgun had encountered a similar problem during restoration of a JR & Sons wedge and had overcome it by replacing the lost frame with a slotted piece of brass tube.

Attachment 113662


So I set out to copy him. I had some titanium tube which was the right size at 4mm OD, and being grade 2 was still much softer than the steel, workable cold with a hammer, but harder than brass and still not subject to corrosion. Being entirely inexpert but having that knowledge I figured it would be fine, possibly better than brass.

I am posting here, halfway through the project, which appears to be going well, to canvas ideas or see if I am making any stupid mistakes. It doesn't seem many of these have been done, but if anybody has tried and has some ideas or thinks this one looks off, then I'd love your advice.

I actually haven't got a protractor so exact angles I can't give you just yet, but laying it on a hone alongside a thiers-issard frameback with a similar profile, they lie at what appears to be the same angle.

I'm going to make some scales out of some nicely figured elm.

Thanks for looking gentlemen, have a great Sunday.

I would not worry about exact angles, if the angle looks right go ahead and try it and see how it works. I like the way sleeve looks on the blade.

I would think the top sleeve might retain more of a round shape, but I am just speculating. I kind of hesitated writing that, I am a big believer of if it works, do not worry about what other people (me) think.

Charlie

I remember the original thread very well! you did a fine job fixing that razor Enjoy!

I think that came out rather well...

The real test is when you hone it up, there is a link in that thread about how I did them to a formula to figure the actual Bevel angle, but honestly it still comes down to the shave

Will get on to the scales tonight and probably get to honing on the weekend. I'll report on the progress, will be pretty happy if this all works out.

How are you attaching the Ti to the steel blade?

Originally Posted by eod7

How are you attaching the Ti to the steel blade?

Friction. It was jammed on there after hammering, completely immobile. But I did also plug up the ends with some cyanoacrylate.