Couldn’t pass this one up... a combo of some favorites. Herder has a unique and long history, giving us quite a few razors along the way. Add a “14” into the mix (though a little different shape compared to others) coming in over 1” in width, and we have a potential winner. Definitely pretty nice to start: And the backside: The blade edge looks nice with the exception of a decent divot or two. But the spine wear is minimal. And we have my normal scale issue to deal with... which I like because it keeps the price down. Blade work to follow shortly in the next post. Tom
Just working the blade by hand again... meditation I guess. Removed from the scales. Backside scale is toast, but frontside is great. Bakelite I think, so may limit my options... more later. Did start as low as 180 grit to get some metal removed, but then quickly went to 400 and spent some time. Blade face, spine and tang all got the same treatment. The tang stamps are nice and deep, so no worries there. Worked up through 800-1000-1500 (w/ WD-40 at 1500). Not sure if I am done but decided to bring out the Shapton 220 to see how quickly I could bring the edge into shape. And the back: I use a rolling X with the spine off the stone similar to knife honing. Then as I get closer, I reduce the angle, but not to the point of having the spine on the stone. The 220 makes quick work... I’d say 5 minutes for this one. Next post will have my thoughts on scales. No work on that yet... just ideas. Tom
So the scales... I think I have some options. Option 1: black horn similar to original Original Bakelite is on right. Horn with a lead wedge on the left. They will need a little work, and they came off a Sheffield but I mocked them up and they looked pretty good. They are warped a tad and push the blade into the scale, but I can fix that. Sits decently low, so looks like a good fit. Option 2: bone Ace of Spades These will be taken from the Herder 49. I think the 49 looks more like the traditional “14” anyway. The blade is coming out of these regardless, as I have an idea for a project to create a Gentleman’s set for my Harley Herder 49. This will be some work, as it currently has an integrated spacer, and I feel I need to change that into a wedge. Option 3: wood/resin combo I have some new colors... and I do enjoy these. But not sure if they fit this blade... have to think about that. Never tried a poll before- that could be fun. Tom
the black would keep it simple and sinister..it is a big blade imo..but would look good with the other options as well..just my 6 pence sir..
Here is the razor mocked up with the Ace of Spades scales. I do like this one, and it just barely fits. This razor will need to sit this high in the scale to keep the heel from sticking out. Not great but not a deal breaker. Looks pretty cool open. Yeah, I would love it to be a bit wider but that spade does look nice. As much as I would like to keep the wedge end together, it looks like a little too much stress on the blade side of the wedge pin. Not sure if you can see it in this pic. So I think I am really looking at this decision Or Interesting.
the shape of the black blade gives the illusion it can go in deeper..it must be a trick of the eye..i like the spade also..
The black scales are a better fit - just a little wider. But how often do you get scales that match the tang stamp??? Worked the tiny spacer into a wedge. I think it relieved the stress I was seeing. Tried to show it below. Before (with it as a equal width spacer between scales): The blue arrows should show the stress location as it needs to bow out to match the angle of the tang. And now with it the shape of a wedge: I think that should work.
Looks like I couldn’t not use the Spades... NiAg rod and washers and she is pinned. And She has a very nice grind... and nice to get it dead center. Should be fun to hone up. One more Herder & one more 14 in the quiver. Enjoy your projects. Tom