Took me a while but I figured out this old blade was an F. Fenney. Started making razors in 1822, granted the Tally-Ho trademark in 1833. C.T. Bingham took over the trademark after he passed in 1852 and held till 1863, stamped “C.T. Bingham, Late F Fenney.” I think I can see an “O” so maybe is the Tally-Ho period, so let’s say 1833-1852. The scales were too thin, plastic replacements, and made it horribly unbalanced on the strop and during the shave... so time to change that. Here is what I’m thinking: The wood is definitely a black hardwood, maybe an ebony or African Blackwood, with some light sapwood as part of the blank. Not going too crazy, just wood with a camel bone wedge for weight and contrast. Modeled this W&B for the scale shape. Coping saw for the rough shape cut, followed by the dremel work with a 60 grit sanding drum. Once I got close, shifted to 400 grit. I then thinned the scales with the same 60 grit drum and 180 grit paper sitting on my DMT plate. It’s the inside, so close is good enough . Before turning to hand sanding, I used a 240 grit drum to bevel the edges into a shape I like. I count my passes and try to maintain constant pressure to keep it somewhat even. Once that’s done, hand sanding commences with 400-800-1500. Then finished off with just Renaissance Wax. Hands are tired and I need some daylight to see how I did. Enjoy your projects. Tom
Finished up the camel bone wedge and put this together. Went with NiAg washers and intended to use NiAg rod, but the diameter of the rod was a little big. I don’t mind a mix-and-match look, so brass rod it is. Feels nice and balanced, and the lighter color wood accents it like I hoped. The other side has some brown that sets it off. Overall, I think the Fenney now has a much more appropriate set of shoes... favorite shot of the total look : It’s already honed up so will give it a spin Sunday. Enjoy your projects. Tom
