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Traditional Straight Razor

Bill Burke

Bill Burke

Joined
Aug 1, 2008
Messages
1,762
Here are a couple of pictures of the last straight razor that I made. What do you guys think?

87056_3_b.jpg


87056_4_b.jpg


Blade steel 52100
Blade length 3" cutting edge
blade thickness .130 at spine .007 behind cutting edge.
total length 9.70 inches
 
Nice piece.

But you should also give the blade width, it's always given for straight razors, most common being 5/8.
 
Bill Burke said:
What do you guys think?

blade thickness .130 at spine .007 behind cutting edge.
Click to expand...

Sure does look sweet, man. I was just wondering though- is that .007" thickness directly behind the part that's sharpened, or is that measurement a little further back from the edge where it thickens a bit?

Seems like most of the antique straights I've played with were only about .001"-.002" or so behind the edge. The spey blade on my Case stockman is only about .005"-.006" at the edge bevel; I would expect a razor to be thinner...
 
I love everything about it Bill, nice to see modern craftsmanship put into a timeless classic
Dave
 
the possum said:
Sure does look sweet, man. I was just wondering though- is that .007" thickness directly behind the part that's sharpened, or is that measurement a little further back from the edge where it thickens a bit?

Seems like most of the antique straights I've played with were only about .001"-.002" or so behind the edge. The spey blade on my Case stockman is only about .005"-.006" at the edge bevel; I would expect a razor to be thinner...
Click to expand...

depends on the grind
extra hollow (singing blades ) are thinnest a bit behind the edge (there is a ridge )
i wedge grind can be more less ground to 0 before honing an edge on it and because of the way the grind ramps up would be thicker just behind the "edge"

its really how much time you want to spend on the honing of the blade
a true wedge (full flat ground ) would take a dang long time cause the whole flat is on the hone and needs ground
 
Very nice, Bill. Clean, elegant lines. I love the shoulder-less designs. :thumbup: How's it shave?

Jordan
 
jnich67 said:
Very nice, Bill. Clean, elegant lines. I love the shoulder-less designs. :thumbup: How's it shave?

Jordan
Click to expand...

Very nice and clean with no drag or pulling. incedentally, of you guys that have or do shave with one of these, have you ever done a comparison of the old type of barber soap/shaving cream to out of the can shaving cream to gell shaving cream? For me the old kind that you mix up in a mug and apply with a badger hair brush seems to give a closer shave even with a modern razor. (gillet mach three).
 
The shaving creams just seem to be preference.

I do need to sharpen my old one up a bit! I only use it on special occasions (where I'm wearing a suite, dress blues or such).

I wouldn't mind having a new one but that will have to wait!

BTW, that is a beautiful blade!
 
Bill Burke said:
Very nice and clean with no drag or pulling. incedentally, of you guys that have or do shave with one of these, have you ever done a comparison of the old type of barber soap/shaving cream to out of the can shaving cream to gell shaving cream? For me the old kind that you mix up in a mug and apply with a badger hair brush seems to give a closer shave even with a modern razor. (gillet mach three).
Click to expand...

i use mama bear soap
can shave cream can suck i t

stefanj
braver then i when it comes to shave before dress blues (tho if i took my time all would be OK)

been straight shaving since Aug and straight making just before that
 
Bill Burke said:
Very nice and clean with no drag or pulling. incedentally, of you guys that have or do shave with one of these, have you ever done a comparison of the old type of barber soap/shaving cream to out of the can shaving cream to gell shaving cream? For me the old kind that you mix up in a mug and apply with a badger hair brush seems to give a closer shave even with a modern razor. (gillet mach three).
Click to expand...

Yeah, I kind of got sucked into to all the shaving cream and soap addictions...

There is no comparison between a good traditional shaving soap/cream used with a decent brush and the crap that comes out of a can. You don't have to spend a fortune either. Spieck, Proraso, Volabra, Tabac, etc all make good products that won't break the bank.

Jordan
 
Bill Burke said:
incedentally, of you guys that have or do shave with one of these, have you ever done a comparison of the old type of barber soap/shaving cream to out of the can shaving cream to gell shaving cream? For me the old kind that you mix up in a mug and apply with a badger hair brush seems to give a closer shave even with a modern razor. (gillet mach three).
Click to expand...
Gorgeous razor. Are you taking orders?

I use a brush with sandalwood shaving soap. The stuff from a can, whether gel or shaving cream, just doesn't compare. The brush and soap shave does seem to shave a little closer, but the main reason I use them is because it makes the whole experience more enjoyable.
 
I have been shaveing with a strait razor for about 3 years now and it can't be beat. I got to handle one of bill's razors last fall and they are incredible. as soon as i can i am gonna order one. Maybe that is if he quits picking on me.................:D
 
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