[RussL.]

I'm curious as to how many here have made their own knives out of old straight razors.

The straight razor blade seems to be held in high regard by some carvers.

I enjoy side-projects to my pasttimes and since there seems to be a healthy number of straight razors for sale on ePay I was thinking at some point of trying just this.

I have a grinding wheel given to me by much late father-in-law that should be able to shape one any way I would like.

Any thoughts on this?

Thank you in advance,

Russ L.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

You need more than a grinding wheel, you need something to hone and strop as well....and to make one of these "cold grind" you need to just touch the razor to the stone and then cool or you will burn it and lose the temper....they take some time to make, but are terrific carving knives. I bought a Harbor freight grinder..wet well on one side, standard grinder on the other for I think about 50.00.....the wet grinder turns at something like 70 rpm wet.....great for final shaping! I usually do the last sharpening on sandpaper ......then to the strop..

[Mitchell]

To see other threads related to straight razors, look at the list of "similar threads" below on this page.

You can also search using the words "straight razors".


I believe Rick has given pretty detailed instructions in the past.

[Hi_Ho_Sliver]

Originally Posted by Mitchell

To see other threads related to straight razors, look at the list of "similar threads" below on this page.

You can also search using the words "straight razors".


I believe Rick has given pretty detailed instructions in the past.

Yes Rick also has some info on his site, I have him to thank (?) lol, for starting me on making straight razors

[Plain_Ol_Ed]

I have made several. What works best for me in doing the rough out work is a common belt sander turned upside down and held in a visce. If it's a nice day and I want to work outside, I'll mount in upside down in a Work Mate. Use progressively finer belts, stone and strop.

[RussL.]

Dear Plain_Ol_Ed,

Thanks. That sounds like the process and tools I could follow. I think that outdoors would indeed be the best place to be scattering steel dust.

Thank you all for the the thoughtful answers that you've provided to all of my questions...but don't go away, I'm sure I'll have more! :-)

All the best,

RussL.

[mark yundt]

Made my first kinves this way, about 18 yrs ago. Make a few custom kitchen/hunting types as well,with acid engraved blades.I was able to do them on a regular bench grinder. Use a good quality stone( the ones they come with aren't good for much beyond sharpening mower blades) Keep water handy to dip before the metal gets too hot. If you can hold it in your bare hands, it's not too hot.Then shape it to your hearts content.Several I sandwiched in maple,a couple in cherry and one , turned out to be my favorite shape,blade etc. was done in cabinet grade ply,,, looked really neat how th ply showed up in the curves of the handle.Watch though, some of those old razors are getting a good buck, would be cheaper to buy a knife, if you do use a razor, start with the damaged ones.

[squbrigg]

I've made a couple, and a word of caution, wear eye protection and leather gloves, the metal flying off the sander can pierce a fingernail.

I use the belt sander on the combination disk/belt sander by Delta and it works well. Patience is a necessary part of it. Then good stones and lots of stroping. Handles, you can be creative, and use some interesting woods. We look forward to seeing pics.

Bob