Picked up this American made Burrell Top Flight, knowing the scales were toast. I had an idea for a tribute to WWII Army aviators, and the bay presented me with a lot of aviation badges. I thought the Army Master Aviation badge would be a cool touch, as I think the Army authorized these back to 1947… so close enough for me. Here is what I’m thinking: I’ve been going back and forth with the design to the scales, and landed on a simple transparent design of blue to a smoke grey… at least that is what I thought. The hardener has a yellow tint, so it is doing some weird things with the initial color… The greenish color is changing, so hopefully the brown fades away. Now I wait. Enjoy your projects. Tom
A Saturday update: Spent a lot of time with a coping saw, dremel and sand paper… but I enjoy it. Other than being the wrong color and about 30% thicker than they should be, I would say I am getting close. I am digging the effect that it gives the pilot insignia. I need to give the sanding arm a break, which will give me some time to decide if I thin them out or just keep them like they are and see how transparent I can make them. Enjoy your projects. Tom
The finished razor… Went with the nailhead pins, which are super easy. Also reused the original wedge, after some flattening and reshaping. The scales are too thick and the color was not what I was going for, but I like the result. I really like the effect when the blade is behind the insignia, as it gives it depth: And one more: Time to sharpen her up and take for a spin. Enjoy your projects. Tom