Straight Razor Questions

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Joined
Jan 20, 2013
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I would like to make a straight razor or two. I don't currently own one so I do not have an example to look at. I am curious on if there are any rules. I have searched the forum but didn't really come up with much from the makers end. Maybe someone can point me in the right direction or give me some pointers. I will be forging it so I need to know a thickness I should shoot for, also the length of the blade and the height of it.
I'm just looking for a good overview of straight razors and their workings.
Thank you in advance.
Joe Schrum
Halcyon Forge
 
Blades are usually about 3 inches in length. Ratio of blade width to spine thickness is 3.5-4.0:1.

Charlie Lewis's videos are awesome and extremely informative.
 
The only thing I would add to Utopian's post is to say that the height of the blade is measured from the edge to the point where the spine makes contact with the hone which is usually not the top of the spine.

The wedge on vintage razors are just that wedges not flat spacers. The tangs on vintage razors also taper from blade to tail as well as top to bottom. These two features work together to allow the right tension to hold the blade open. There is a pretty long thread on this at SRP if you are interested. Actually lots of info there in the Workshop section.

Bob
 
Utopian said:
Blades are usually about 3 inches in length. Ratio of blade width to spine thickness is 3.5-4.0:1.

Charlie Lewis's videos are awesome and extremely informative.
Click to expand...

Thank you for your great responses. So I'm looking at 1/4 thick and 1" height. That clears up some confusion. I watched two of the Lewis razor videos and they are very informative. Thanks for pointing me to those.
When you are grinding it, what thickness do I want my edge before I sharpen? Nearly a zero?
 
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