straight razor Q

[blackcatt]

I am planning a straight razor for my little brother who is just about to graduate college. He is a razor fanatic, but being a college boy...short on means. I want to make him one for his grad present, but damn...i need your help. I have some preliminary questions...let's just start here. Please offer any and all advice. Butch...if you're out there...I know you've got the goods.

1. what steels should I consider?
2. what corresponding hardness is appropriate for a razor?
3. hardware? what do I need?
4. grind geometry? for a 5/8 razor, which diameter wheel should I look at?
5. what is a reasonable spine thickness?

many thanks for any information. I want to make my little bro a happy man.

[jason.lee740]

Not a real expert on this but I see alot of razors being made with carbon steel though in my opnion any steel can work right? I mean its just a straight thin knife with a hollow grind.

Also for hardness, I believe 58-60 is appropriate.

Just sharing what I heard from better informed gentlemans, who Im sure will come soon and possibly correct me.

[cardoso5fr]

High carboned steel would be great (O1, 110WCrV5 for example)
Take a look here


You will find a post about the thickness of the spine and a link to a pdf in the second page which will answer to all your technical question

[L R Harner]

oki lets see
carbon or SS your choice (jsut make sure its a fine grain steel)
D2 would kill your face

a 5/8 should have a spine thickness around .200 the key is not to have the total edge angle under 14 degrees (feather blades have a 22 degree total) so there is room to play

wheel size is up to you but a 6 inch woudl be a nice stiff grind a 4 inch woudl be what might be called a 1/4 grind and a full hollow would be done with a 2 inch or smaller wheel

[blackcatt]

Thanks a lot Butch! That took care of many of my questions.

I am still wondering about hardware. Do you guys just use a folder pivot?

[L R Harner]

tracy mickley has 1/8 inch folder pivots that work great thats what i use
the screws are 2-56 size

[blackcatt]

Ok, making pretty good progress. I was wondering how thin to get the edge on the grinder before it can be honed to shaving condition. I'd say I'm at about .010-.015" now.

[L R Harner]

Ok, making pretty good progress. I was wondering how thin to get the edge on the grinder before it can be honed to shaving condition. I'd say I'm at about .010-.015" now.

going to have to think thinner then that .003-.005 would be better
the thinner the steel the better it is to hone (there is a reason that not everyone makes razors )

[blackcatt]

Butch, can't thank you enough for the help. I really love your razors.

I use the Norax belts for finishing, and I suppose I'll try to thin the edge out a bit more with the 65x (400 grit) belt and low speed. Does this sound about right?

[L R Harner]

yep sounds liek a good plan

i use the A belts too from 300 to 45 on my work cause there so smooth in use (no belt thump)