PhoenixForger Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 Hey, just wondering if anyone has forged a straight razor. If you have I'd love to see it. ^_^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
781 Posted September 9, 2011 Share Posted September 9, 2011 I think Mike Blue from Minnesota is doning a demo at Quad state conference, troy, OH this month Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rich Hale Posted September 10, 2011 Share Posted September 10, 2011 If I were able i would attend that demonstration for sure. I have a lot of years smithing and am pretty confident in forging new items with a minumum of fuss or reruns. I am pretty fair at grinding blades, Both forged and stock removal.Check my website, richhaleknives to see my work. I say all of that to help 'splain why I would say that in looking at old style straight razors, I do not believe I have the ability to forge one and have it meet my expectations for fit finish and usability.I own a few of them and have a plan to make a couple using stock removal for the work. If you are good at the forge it may be a good project for you. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PhoenixForger Posted September 11, 2011 Author Share Posted September 11, 2011 Rich Hale, thanks for the link, your knives look really cool. I like the horn handles. Once again I'd love seeing any straight razors that smiths have forged, please post any pictures you have. Thanks. ^_^ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2703adam Posted September 11, 2011 Share Posted September 11, 2011 Murray Carter at Carter Cutlery is making a Japanese style straight razor now. I'm not sure if he's offered any for sale yet but at the end of this video he shows it and shaves with it.http://youtu.be/c4oHzFNclzQ -Adam Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AdamK Posted September 14, 2012 Share Posted September 14, 2012 Jeez, you wouldn't want to get those spoons mixed in with the normal cutlery! :o Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gearhartironwerks Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I recently purchased 2 straight razors at an antique store with the intent of at least trying to shave with them. I used my 6000 grit water stone and did the Murray Carter strope. Sharp...absolutely! Shaving with it...pita. I'm going back to my Bic. Anyone else had that experience? John Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
joinersmith Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I recently purchased 2 straight razors at an antique store with the intent of at least trying to shave with them. I used my 6000 grit water stone and did the Murray Carter strope. Sharp...absolutely! Shaving with it...pita. I'm going back to my Bic. Anyone else had that experience? John I have not tried shaving with a straight razor yet. I understand there is a learning curve to it. I use a Gillete Red Tip double edged razor. You can check out some discussion on shaving at http://www.badgerandblade.com. I would also like to see pictures of straights anyone has forged. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkrankow Posted September 17, 2012 Share Posted September 17, 2012 I recently purchased 2 straight razors at an antique store with the intent of at least trying to shave with them. I used my 6000 grit water stone and did the Murray Carter strope. Sharp...absolutely! Shaving with it...pita. I'm going back to my Bic. Anyone else had that experience? John 6k is a rough shave for most faces. I shave with straight razors regularly, 2 or 3 times a week (frequently I only shave 2-3 times a week). If you would like a Belgian coticule edge to try I'll hone them up for you. PM me and I'll shoot you my address if you want. First class shipping in a padded mailer for a couple razors with tracking is cheap. I second BadgerandBlade.com for shaving tips. Phil Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Obsidianman Posted October 5, 2012 Share Posted October 5, 2012 I too would like to forge a straight razor. I have a lot of fond memories of watching my grandfather shaving with one. being new to smithing i have found this video on you tube to give me some idea where to start.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0IA7qIxyoqQ&feature=fvwrel Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Gaddis Posted October 6, 2012 Share Posted October 6, 2012 Now that is a neat video ! carry on Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Greenbeast Posted December 10, 2012 Share Posted December 10, 2012 great video, one that makes me want to light the forge and do one now! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SnailForge Posted July 1, 2013 Share Posted July 1, 2013 I just wanted to add that in terms of sharpening a straight razor, Murray Carters methods leave a lot to be desired. A straight razor is not a kitchen knife, and what works for his kitchen knives definitely doesn't work with a razor. We've discussed this video at large, and even had a 'dialogue' with Mr Carter but that didn't end well. And as someone else already indicated, 6000 is considered pretty coarse for a razor. 6000 to 8000 grit is usually the last step before going to a finishing stone, like a shapton 16000 grit, or some type of natural stone like a coticule, escher, or nakayama. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unforgivun Posted August 10, 2013 Share Posted August 10, 2013 I use a norton 8k as my finish before moving to a canvas strop with pastes. It takes a good bit of practice to be able to put an edge on these razors consistently. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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