Cut throat, bushcraft style ?

[JonnyP]

Hi.........I have this cut throat razor which I like to use from time to time. The thing is I do not like the plastic handle and want to change it to a wooden one, is this adviseable and if so what is the best or accepable woods to use and how would the pins be put in..........Any advice would be welcome................Jon

 

[leon-1]

Jon, to be honest mate you would probably be better thinking about, bone, horn or shell as they are less likely to swell if they get wet.


If you go with wood choose a hardwood that is naturally oily like cocobolo.

 

[JonnyP]

Thanks Leon...........I do want a wooden handle because of the look and feel more than any thing else. It is not stored in the bathroom and would not come into contact with water that much. I shall inquire about cocobolo next time I am in the timber merchants, its not a wood I have heard of...............Jon

 

[torjusg]

My gosh, do you use that one?! I personally don't even trust myself with one of those you have there, much less a barber.

Torjus Gaaren

 

[leon-1]

Thanks Leon...........I do want a wooden handle because of the look and feel more than any thing else. It is not stored in the bathroom and would not come into contact with water that much. I shall inquire about cocobolo next time I am in the timber merchants, its not a wood I have heard of...............Jon

Jon the handle of this one is made from it;

It can be considerably darker than this (this one has actually darkened a lot since the picture was taken) so it is a very reddy brown

 

[mark a.]

Cocobolo would be a good choice, but I've also seen scales made from desert ironwood, pakkawood and others. For an idea of what can be used, check out the Dovo and Thiers-Issard razors Classic Shaving.com - a great place for razors and shaving (and where I got my straight razor from, and the owner is a very helpful chap). The woods seem to be "moisture stabilised" - whatever that means.

The same website also sells pins and scales (if you didn't want to make your own) - go to the Maintenance and Restoration section.

I also used to frequent www.straightrazorplace.com - a great place for all things shaving with sharp implements. I found a good article on there on how to replacing scales (go to the Help files -> Permanent Archive -> Great Straight Info -> Page 3 and download the handle making pdf).

Hope this helps, and good luck - it's a nice looking blade you have there!

Mark

 

[JonnyP]

My gosh, do you use that one?! I personally don't even trust myself with one of those you have there, much less a barber.

Torjus Gaaren

Torjus..............You should have a go, its a great way of shaving and very satisfying, though you do need a bit more time. I have only nicked myself a few times, because you respect the sharpness of the blade you are always careful and precise with it.

Mark a..........Thanks for all that info, I did not even realise that there would be web sites dedicated to the cut throat. When I get the job done I will show you the result.

Leon.........Thanks for showing me what the wood looks like. I like the look of it and like I say, I will enquire about it. Cheers all...............Jon

 

[mark a.]

Glad the info helps. Good luck, and we look forward to seeing the new improved razor! Also enjoy the website - I found it really useful when I was learning.

I use my straight most of the time - I only use my Gilette when I'm in a hurry. Doing it "properly" is so much more rewarding - more interesting, more fun, more relaxing, more pampering and quite often (when I get things just right) a much better shave than a Mach 3.

 

[JonnyP]

Mark..........What do you use for sharpening? Do you just use a stropp..........Jon

 

[mark a.]

Mostly just the strop - double-sided linen/leather, 20-30 strokes each side before every shave.

Every 6 months or so I'll hone it up on the Norton 4000/8000 waterstone. Not easy, though!