I'm back with new work to share

Phillip Dobson

Phillip Dobson

Joined
Jun 26, 2009
Messages
1,000
Lately I've been taking a break from the internet. Things were getting a little overwhelming, so I had to take a step back for a little while. I'm getting things sorted out now, so now I'm back to enjoy all that Bladeforums has to offer.

I was away from the internet, but not the workshop. I've been practicing new techniques and perfecting others. Grinding (and shaving with) razors has been especially enjoyable. I'm looking forward to making many more. Here are a few photos of some of my recent work.

I tried my hand at making a sashimi knife. The subtle hollow on the back took a lot of work. This one is CPM154 and desert ironwood burl. There's also a lefty version in the works that I'm keeping for myself.
attachment.php


This is my third razor and my first time working with musk ox horn. That horn is nasty stuff! Beautiful, though. This blade is also CPM154 and shaves super smoothly.
attachment.php


I used the new "lightning strike" carbon fiber for the handle of this razor. Super cool stuff; many thanks to Chuck at AKS for making this available.
attachment.php


I'd like to publicly thank everyone who has supported me the last couple of years. It's meant a lot to me.

Phillip
 

Attachments

  • IMG_1613.jpg
    IMG_1613.jpg
    39.5 KB · Views: 419
  • IMG_1551.jpg
    IMG_1551.jpg
    38.1 KB · Views: 420
  • IMG_2069.jpg
    IMG_2069.jpg
    43.3 KB · Views: 420
Very cool. I like the razors too, never thought of a fixed blade razor.
 
Hi Phillip -

Awesome work as always, and great pictures to boot!

Welcome back and thanks for posting your pictures.

I especially like the lightning strike handle. :D :thumbup: :cool:

best regards -

mqqn
 
top shelf buddy!!

if you head back my way, hit me up, ive developed a new crag near smith...eager for some traffic.
 
edgemaster said:
top shelf buddy!!

if you head back my way, hit me up, ive developed a new crag near smith...eager for some traffic.
Click to expand...

Nice! Basalt? I finally got to play around in the lower gorge and I love it. Some of the trickiest crack climbing I've ever experienced.

Phillip
 
The fixed-blade razors look interesting and cool.
I'm curious as to why we don't see more.
Been thinking about trying a custom razor.
 
The razor is the ultimate functional art. I have been working on some in that style. You have captured the form and function in your razor.
J.
 
Kevin Jones said:
The fixed-blade razors look interesting and cool.
I'm curious as to why we don't see more.
Been thinking about trying a custom razor.
Click to expand...

Fixed blade razors are popular in Japan. They tend to be short-bladed, asymmetrically ground, and without scales. I like the extra maneuverability that a short blade offers, and the fixed handle gives good feedback and control. I think the biggest downside to fixed razors is the lack of portability. Aside from that, they're awesome. I am trying to blend the best parts of Eastern and Western styles into a unique and functional blade.

So far, my face has been the only guinea pig. I'm experimenting with and refining the designs with the goal of experiencing the "perfect shave". The balance and handling could still use a little refinement, which will be addressed in the next few blades. My grinding and honing could use improvement, but that's mostly a matter of practice.

Of course, even my "holy grail" razor will only be perfect for me and my face. To that end, these blades will be traveling to a few experienced shavers and hone-meisters for additional input.

I'm really enjoying this project. :)

Phillip
 
Hi Phillip -

What sort of shaving lubricant do you use? (Maybe more appropriate for another forum...)

I use Shave Secret, which is an oil, with good results.

I am just wondering - your beautiful razors would be just another great excuse to use a hand-crafted piece of cutlery in daily life.

best regards -

mqqn
 
Wow, awesome work! The storage blocks for each knife really make the knives look elegant. The razor on the bottom looks fantastic. I've always wanted to make one. Are they hard to grind?
 
Mitchell Knives said:
Wow, awesome work! The storage blocks for each knife really make the knives look elegant. The razor on the bottom looks fantastic. I've always wanted to make one. Are they hard to grind?
Click to expand...

I suggest that you give it a shot. If anything, grinding razors has been good practice for knife grinding. These blades are "wedge ground" on a ten-inch wheel. An edge thickness of about .004" works pretty well. Razor grinding is less forgiving of mistakes (I killed a couple blades), but it's no more difficult than getting a good grind on a knife.

Andy, I use a few different soaps and creams along with a selection of brushes. I think my favorite so far is Fitjar's Miklagrad soap lathered with a well broken-in 21mm UK boar brush (with ironwood handle). It's pretty much perfect.

Phillip
 
Those all look great, and the razors turned out super nice. Thanks for the pics.
 
Beautiful work Phil but I guess I might be partial since you are making my ugly old Mule pretty!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top