Straight Razors and Razor Rolls

I have updated the pages with my latest razor roll that I made for a customer. Grey with white stitching. See the update HERE!!

Ok, so let me just say, man is it friggin beautiful here. And hot. So today’s update. Did not update yesterday. Was sitting in front of the computer last night but passed out before I could get anything typed. It was only 11pm here, however in TX time that is 4am. I do stay up late on occasion, but that is riduculous.

So as I am sitting here typing, let me just say that the dishwasher in the Waiohai Marriott is outrageously loud. I mean to the point that I want to go into the hallway to finish typing.

Ok, off my soapbox. Yesterday and today were good days. We are staying in the south side of Kauai. Yesterday we took a trip up north to Kilauea and then to Hanalei. Yeah, like Puff the Magic Dragon. 1st to Kilauea and the Kilauea Lighthouse. Beautiful spot where lots of birds nest. And this is one of the most northern tips of the island. The lighthouse here is cool. From there we went to Hanalei. This is such a beautiful spot. Here is were most of the taro on the island is grown. And all the bridges in the north are all 1 lane bridges. I cannot equate this area to anything I have seen anywhere else. It is beautiful, lush with vegetation, and the people are awesome. We ordered food at Red Hot Mama’s, a hole in the wall mexican stand. Literally a hole in the wall. No seating, no waiters, no anything other than the window where they take your order and give you food. We than drove to Ha’ena to go eat at a public park where they camp and surf. Amazing how some people live here in tents for weeks/months at a time. From there it was back home for dinner, playing around the hotel, and bedtime. Grilled some chicken and veggies, and soaked in the hottub.

Today, went west to Hanapepe. On the way we stopped at the Kauai Coffee Company. Got the father-in-law some coffee. Let the twins entertain the other tourists there for a while.  Toured Glass Beach and the Japanese Graveyard. Amazing in theirselves. The water at Glass Beach is so beautiful. Then drove to Waimea to go to JoJo’s Shave Ice. One of the best treats on the island.  Headed back to the hotel today to make sure the boys got a nap. So much better. Was able to take my daughter to a polynesian dance tonight. She really enjoyed it. Came back to hotel and played some more. 2 great days. Enjoy the photos.

3 more days!!!!!

So yes we are on vacation, in Hawaii, and yes I am playing on the computer. However it is 10 pm here, wife and kids passed out, and 3am in Texas. I am a bit tired but bored and figured I would post some things. So on the way to the airport Monday, sent off a 16 slot grey roll to a friend. Hope you like it.

So let’s see how today went. Walked down to the ocean today to play in the water. The twins freaked out. I think that it was a combination of the sand and the water crashing in. They wanted nothing to do with the beach. Played at the pool for an hour or so. After that hopped in the van and went cruising. Headed up to Kapa’a and Wailua. Very pretty area. Visited Wailua Falls. If you have ever seen the opening to the 70′s tv show Fantasy Island, then you have seen these falls. The great thing is that you can get the view below from the roadside. Went to Lydgate Park and let the kiddos play for quite a long time. Good to wear them down some. Got some food at Bubba’s Burgers. Great food, nice shorts!!!

Highlight of my day was going to The Koa Store. Not only do they have items made of Koa, but they have koa lumber for sale there. I bought a few pieces there. Now just have to figure out a way to get them home. Not illegal or anything, I just packed well coming, so don’t know if everything will make it back.

So long for today. I should have some more razor rolls done when I get home next week. George’s razor needs fixin’, and the RB&R is pending and should be shipping on Wed.

razorsmith

So sent out one of George’s razors out today. I shall affectionately call them Bigboy(7/8) and Pitts(13/16). Bigboy went out insured and tracked.

I took Pitts back and and worked on the finish again. Originally seeing as how bad the pitting was, I decided not to put a high polish on either razor. Well, I changed my mind. Happy that I did. Originally the pitting was still showing black within the pitts. Most of that is gone and even the pitts are shining. I went ahead and through Pitts in the epoxied rosewood scales. I was ready to throw both of them in the mail today, however the spacer is just not fitting quite right on Pitts. So I need to rework vs. sending out as is. However I wanted to post photos to show the progression of the blade.

As with Bigboy, I went ahead and honed. This took a very keen edge, however it took a while to get good metal. Had to move quite a bit, however now this thing is a beauty with a mean bite. Super smooth and crisp. Wipes through the hairs so easy. This will be a great razor when I get the spacer right. Sorry for the delay George.

razorsmith

So sent out one of George’s razors out today. I shall affectionately call them Bigboy(7/8) and Pitts(13/16). Bigboy went out insured and tracked.

I took Pitts back and and worked on the finish again. Originally seeing as how bad the pitting was, I decided not to put a high polish on either razor. Well, I changed my mind. After seeing the benefits of Pitts, I took Bigboy back also. Wow I am so happy that I did. the pics below can show the affects. The remaining pitting does not show as badly as I thought that it would.

As for the scales, I had another W&B that had really nice horn scales for a 150+ year old razor. I sacrificed my blade for this one, and I think it was really worth it. I also had a set of original domed washers that I reused for the pivot. Worked out really well.

Honed up this bad boy. 325 to establish bevel, then all the way up to 8k on the stones. Finished off on 1 then .5 micron and cro-ox before 80 laps on leather. And let me say that I just love these big heavy wedges. Just scared the hairs off. Super smooth and sexy to boot.

George, I hope you enjoy this one!! This is one of those razors I would buy in a heartbeat.

razorsmith

I acquired this razor from ebay over a year ago. I wanted a really old razor and this one just called to me. It is a John Barber. About a 11/16, looks like a mason/type tang stamp. Lightly rusted.

I am finally getting around to working on it. This is the one that is the ’67 camaro under the tarp in the garage.’ I will get it to pristine immaculate condition. One day. In the future.

No idea on scales or finish, but it will probably be a satin finish with some bone or horn scales. This one is mine all mine and will add to those I consider to be ‘part of the collection.’

Pics:::

So the brushes that I had listed for sale have now all been sold!! Happy times. I have one more that I need to finish up and it will go for sale also.

The RB&R Spike point is still available, as well as the Joseph Allen Barber Notch. Both great shaving razors that were a part of the rotation at one point.

I hope to add some new razors for sale over the next few days, but we will see. I have some rolls that I need to make, and some honing to do.

Stay tuned for more great brushes and razors.

Darren aka: razorsmith