Straight Razor - Anyone ever made one?

[ErnieB]

Hi folks,

Well, here I am just trying to finish my 3rd knife - none of which will come close to causing anyone to gasp, (except me, I'm right proud of them) - and I'm already looking for new projects! I quess its the nature of one who is fully under the influence of this wonderful hobby!

Anyhow, my question today: has anyone out there every forged or otherwise made a straight razor and if so, how does one go about it. When I was a kid, my grandfather always used one and he had 2 or 3 that were beautiful. I don't know what brand or what happened to them, but I just think it would be neat to make one. If for no other reason, it would make a nice Christmas gift for my barber!

I eagerly await you help. Thanks.

[Andrew Garrett]

I've never made one (haven't made many knives at all), but Ray Rogers makes a cool folder he calls "Rayzor". It has the same lines as a traditional straight razor. I'm sure he can give you some guidance.

[B.Finnigan]

I made one a couple months ago out of 01 and it turned out real nice. It was a folder and I used madagascar ebony for the body. I sharpened it up to a scalpel edge but I have been too chicken to actual try it out on my face. The 01 drill rod took a really good edge but 01 likes to crack when it gets thin. A straight edge is a good forging exercise and you should give it a shot.

[cricket]

Yes I have,I forged 3 just before the Blade Show. I studied old razors to get the design down. Forged the first out of 5160 and hollow ground blade on a 8in. wheel, then cut handles from water buffalo horn. the 2nd & 3rd I forged from damascus, one of them was a miniature with deer horn handle about 1 in. long folded up. I forge them kind of backwards, handle first. Draw your handle to shape and work your blade down, just take your time. Let us know how it comes out!!

[rhrocker]

I recall that Larry Harley forged out a beautiful one a year or two ago.

[singertat2]

Originally Posted by rhrocker

I recall that Larry Harley forged out a beautiful one a year or two ago.

really loved that one!!! was'nt it wootz????-fed

[ErnieB]

Thanks guys,
Its good to know someone has or does make a straight razor now and again. I thought it certainly couldn't have been a lost art. I'll start with Cricket's info and see what I come up with from there. Maybe I'll shoot an e-mail to Ray Rogers as well.

As I said, my Grandfather, who was borned in 1887, always used one up until one of us had to start shaving him and he had a couple beautiful razors. I'd give most anything to have them back now.

[Sweany]