My first restore!!

Mike7120 · 10-03-2008, 12:14 AM

This is my first restore. It's a 8/8+ Wade and Butcher "for barbers use" in bloodwood. The scales were finished in epoxy resin, but I had to sand it down a bit so the finish is dull. Later on tonight I might put a coat of urethane on the scales to bring back the shine. Overall, I am very pleased with the results. I made a lot of mistakes along the way, but I learned a great deal. Can't wait to hone it up and shave!!!!

Please comment and make suggestions, as this is the first of many restores that I will be doing and any advice for future restores will be greatly appreciated.

Thanks to everyone that helped me, you guys are awesome.

Philadelph · 10-03-2008, 12:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike7120

The scales were finished in epoxy resin, but I had to sand it down a bit so the finish is dull. Later on tonight I might put a coat of urethane on the scales to bring back the shine.

Hey Mike, try using a more abrasive metal polish (or any metal polish really) to buff the scales with. It might bring back the shine without another coat of anything.

coachmike · 10-03-2008, 12:48 AM

She is a beauty Mike,,,CONGRATS!!

holli4pirating · 10-03-2008, 12:51 AM

She looks pretty sweet. I'm jealous; kinda itchin for a barber's Butcher.

gssixgun · 10-03-2008, 01:11 AM

Great job Mike the fit looks to be straight, razor sits in there right, the wedge is correct, and the pins look fine.... Absolutely fantastic...

It does take some messing around with the wood finishes, before you settle on the one that works best for you....

onimaru55 · 10-03-2008, 02:03 AM

Well done Mike. Was hoping to see this one dressed up

As has been suggested metal polish on the scales or even car polish works. The idea is to get the epoxy smooth & reflective. I usually sand fine then car polish & swirl remover. I like the satin finish tho.

Traveller · 10-03-2008, 03:23 AM

Excellent jobI love the scales too.Best regards Gary

Maximilian · 10-03-2008, 03:54 AM

I would say you deserve to give yourself a medal if this is your first restore. Very nice work.

lpj · 10-03-2008, 04:43 AM

Your first? Oh, there's a future out there for someone. Best of luck and enjoy. Purdy Piece.
Lee

BigBubba · 10-03-2008, 05:34 AM

Great work!
My 1st restore was also a 8/8 W&B in bloodwood, but it didn't turn out nearly as good looking. Big props on a job well done.

The honing may be a big task, depending on how even you sanded next to the bevel, so if it takes a while or even a few tries don't get discouraged. Once you get that 1st great shave out of that beautiful razor all of the time, effort, blood, sweat and tears will be worth it!

Ditch Doc · 10-03-2008, 06:05 AM

good job!!

rossco · 10-03-2008, 02:50 PM

Very nice! I don't know what condition the blade was in before you started but it looks good as new now. Great attention to detail.

AverageJoe · 10-14-2008, 01:58 AM

Looks great the way it is----I do quite a bit of woodworking and usually prefer a low-sheen or satin/hand-rubbed look to the finish myself. It just has a more natural look. I'd leave it as is if it were mine!

Lancer · 10-16-2008, 08:15 AM

First attempt or not, that's nice work!

cannonfodder · 10-16-2008, 06:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike7120

The scales were finished in epoxy resin, but I had to sand it down a bit so the finish is dull. Later on tonight I might put a coat of urethane on the scales to bring back the shine.

That is what I do. You can buff it out but two quick coats of high gloss urethane will bring it right back. Problem there, you neeed to do it before you put it together or you will urathane your pins and wedge all together.

Mike7120 · 10-17-2008, 03:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

Problem there, you neeed to do it before you put it together or you will urathane your pins and wedge all together.

Yeah I decided not to put urethane on the scales for that reason. Oh well, live and learn I guess. I buffed the scales with some polish and they look better. I'm working on a few more scales at the moment and the epoxy resin took very well, so I will not have to sand them down at all.

Chris L · 10-17-2008, 03:28 AM

Wow, awesome job, Mike. You should be proud of yourself, man. Good job on peening the pins.

If you do another chopper, have you thought about replicating the bullseye washers the old W&Bs and Elliots had?

Chris L

Utopian · 10-17-2008, 03:47 AM

It's about 15 years too late to say something like this, but just to be different...

Your restore job sucks. Not!

Mike7120 · 10-17-2008, 03:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris L

have you thought about replicating the bullseye washers the old W&Bs and Elliots had?

Chris L

Yeah, I have a large W&B that I'm working on now and plan on using bullseye washers. Now that mid-term exams are over, I might have the time to get back in the workshop and finish a few razors.

Chris L · 10-17-2008, 03:59 AM

If you think you're going to do more than a few traditional bullseye restos, THIS GUY
sells single piece bullseye washers in different sizes. He turns them on a jewelers mini metal lathe. I bought some different sizes from him about six months ago and haven't used them yet. They look very nice and better/more authentic than stacked washers IMO.

Chris L