Can you flat grind a straight razor?

Fletch Helical

Fletch Helical

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Sep 29, 2009
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Given that I've been out of my shop for over a half year, and I still have projects sitting there that need to be completed. PLUS one I still have yet to start before attempting this I'm probably getting a bit ahead of myself here but that's nothing new.

I've become a fan of shaving with a straight razor and it would only stand to reason to attempt making one. Problem is I'm really only set up at this point to do my grinds as flat. I don't really have a way to hollow grind. Is it possible to make a straight with just a flat grind? If it is what is the best way to go about it? Do I do a full flat grind? I guess I could always attempt something like a Japanese style one but I'd prefer not to since I've never tried shaving with one.
 
You can flat grind one. I would start with thin stock, and do a full grind.
The only problem is that as the edge wears, it gets thicker.
 
So go with like a 1/8 stock? Also how do you go about dealing with it pre HT? In other words how thin do you take the edge down? I won't be doing the HT myself but I really don't want it warping or cracking. I still haven't decided if I'd do it in stainless or a carbon.
 
Grind it hard, make sure you use sharp belts. That way there's no fear of warp or any other bs. The edge needs to be taken to below .001" before honing, so take your time and don't make the mistake of trying to get too much out of a belt - there's no leeway with stuff this thin!!!
 
sorry cant advise on the 1/8 inch thick stock as the spine to edge angle is needed to hone a proper edge

the on ly problem with a flat ground razor is how much time it will take to hone as you lay the blade flat on the stone to hone (thus setting the angle )
i had done one that was nearly flat (was flat with more less a blood groove in it ) i did the one layer of tape trick to hone and it worked fine
DSC05940sm.jpg

you can hone that way a few times then you need ot go back and grind the bevels down to get the edge nice and thin again

your better option would be to make a frameback razor as the thin steel is brazed or soldered into a mild steel frame
 
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