Thread: Question about having a custom razor blade made

Hey guys,

I know a very good and experienced knife maker who has made some custom knives for me and some customers over the years. I was thinking that I might ask him to make me a blade for a straight razor. Aside from precision, which shouldn't be an issue, I was wondering if there were some basic "rules" to the anatomy of the straight razor. For example:

1. What is the optimum thickness for the spine, or is there a spine/blade width ratio that is preferred? I know that the deeper the blade the shallower then bevel angle, and shorter longevity of the edge.

2.I'm thinking I want to have a shorter length blade approx. 2", what would be the shortest or longest ideal length? Why?

3. Is there any difference between a rounded tip vs. a straight tip other than aesthetics?

4. Hardware - where can I get handle materials and other accessories?

5. What is the optimum hardness range (rockwell) a razor should be?

Thanks!

I realize that you may have some personal reasons for asking your knifemaker friend to make you a razor. None the less, based on your questions you might be better served to either spec one out with an experienced maker who can give you some specific guidance or pick up something along the lines of a Livi, Chandler, Zowada, Williams, etc that appeals to you.

Anyway;
1) Check out Tim Zowada's site. I believe he discusses bevel angle quite a bit in his section on honing and double bevels

2) Ideal length would be difficult to determine, but most blades are around 3"

3) Personal choice, but there are definite attributes of round and spike points that you need to evaluate for yourself. Try some different razors.

4) Your maker should have a source of supply. Otherwise read the resto area.

5) Depends on the blade material. When hardness is discussed, most customs seem to be in the low to mid 60s RC.

Bill,

Thanks for the help! I'll check out the site.

Originally Posted by jendeindustries

Hey guys,

I know a very good and experienced knife maker who has made some custom knives for me and some customers over the years. I was thinking that I might ask him to make me a blade for a straight razor. Aside from precision, which shouldn't be an issue, I was wondering if there were some basic "rules" to the anatomy of the straight razor. For example:

1. What is the optimum thickness for the spine, or is there a spine/blade width ratio that is preferred? I know that the deeper the blade the shallower then bevel angle, and shorter longevity of the edge.
The ratio of blade width to spine thickness should be between 3.5:1 and 4:1 So, for an 8/8 blade the spine thickness should be at least 1/4".

2.I'm thinking I want to have a shorter length blade approx. 2", what would be the shortest or longest ideal length? Why?
As already mentioned the normal length is about 3" max.
3. Is there any difference between a rounded tip vs. a straight tip other than aesthetics?
Yes, a square/spike point requires more skill to use.
4. Hardware - where can I get handle materials and other accessories?
Scale materials are a matter of choice. If I were you I would have your friend make the blade and then send it to one of the guys here to make you a very nice set of scales.
5. What is the optimum hardness range (rockwell) a razor should be?
HRC 58 - 62 . At the harder levels the honing becomes more difficult but the edge lasts longer ( hopefully).
Thanks!

Hope this helps,

Thanks for that info! It will help greatly!

Tom, check out the Robert Williams site here. He is Papa Bull on the forum and makes great razors IME.