This lot of scissors and razors hit my radar last week: (seller’s photos) It was at $0.75 starting price and caught my eye. The ERN Crown & Sword scales looked good, but the shoulderless razor looked like the prize of the lot. It had 6 pics, so no surprises. Obviously I had a little chip work if I won, but it wasn’t scaring me away at 75 cents and Free Shipping!!!! Plus I get scissors . For some reason I determined $4 was my ceiling, bid, and won it for $1.25, all in... and I was honestly pretty pumped. Got the razors in yesterday, and I have to say I was not disappointed. Grabbing a cup of coffee... I’ll be back with what showed up and some quick work last night. Tom.
Starting with the “prize razor” of the lot. It is an unmarked 7/8, shoulderless vintage razor in Bakelite scales. I like the profile and the chips are the easier of the 2 to take care of. So marked up the shape of what I wanted and took it to the Shapton 220. Went spine leading strokes with a focus on the heel, then feathering it into the entire edge, I like where it landed. I dare say this may be worth a full $1 of the $1.25 now. Now what to do with the ERN???
The ERN posed a few questions... Throw away the blade and keep the nice scales? No, I have to have some fun with the blade... But it is only 5/8 and that chip will definitely make me lose 1/16 or more if I keep the profile. So I started weighing my options. I could get rid if the heel like this: I’ve done that before, but makes a very flexible blade without the shoulder. I also like to remove the shoulder to blend it in, which would take out some of the tang stamp. I went with changing the geometry a tad by removing the chip and creating a wider blade at the toe. Not quite a normal German blade shape, but for 25 cents, I’ll take my chances. Here is the result: Doesn’t look as bad in person, and still kept the majority of the blade near 5/8. Now off to the hones to sharpen. Enjoy your projects. Tom
Thanks Jim. Yeah, $1.25 was a crazy surprise... and I even like the scissors. Something else to practice my sharpening on. And glad you are doing better.
