Work In Prgress, A Slideshow Of Making Straight Razor Blade

I took some photographs of the process as I was making this blade. The metal is 25 layers of 1095 and 15n20. There are step by step photos as I forge and shape the blade. It gives a good overview of the steps that are involved.
My website is www.lewisrazors.com
My work is sold through www.straightrazordesigns.com/i...

[@KZero38]

Just beautiful! Tanks for showing the process.

[@lewisrazors]

Thanks for the kind words. If you watch the video on how I texture the scales, you can see how I do it. I use the same methods for metal also. I like to us various cutoff tools and stones to make the divots on metal.

[@TheWaxdart138]

I would love to own of these razors, some day. Amazing...

[@lewisrazors]

I would use 1080 or 1084 steel for the first razor. 1084 will make a good razor, plus it is the simplest to heat treat. It is a good place to start. New Jersey Steel Baron in one source for the steel.

[@seedood]

Beautiful razor.

[@RandolphTuttle]

Good pics & commentary.

[@lewisrazors]

I used a checkering file. Jewelery and gunsmith tool supply companies carry them.

[@lewisrazors]

My post anvil is about 30lbs. I have a video about my post anvil. I would recommend doing some searches for post anvils. Maybe you can find something that will work for you. Blacksmith clubs are good places for looking for used anvils.

[@lewisrazors]

I like to mix things up, make some with handles and some without.

[@andregross7420]

Nice work.

[@RoyLBlades]

Thanks for the video. I've watched them all- some multiple times. The 6-inch scale next to the blade helps. I have long wondered how you achieve those textures. Is it a trade secret or can you share some of your methods?

[@stonybrokebushcraf]

very nice job man

[@lewisrazors]

I would love to have a power hammer, but can not justify spending that much money at the present time. I use my 8" and 4" wheels the most.

[@bratbasher]

Thank you for very good videos. Next week I'm going to try this for the first time and the goal this time is to try to get the basic shape. What should I think about buying the raw metal? My expectations are very low but it will be fun to try!

[@jackruss4]

Was wondering why you don't use a power hammer, similar to what many Japanese steel forgers work with. I belive Murray Carter uses one as well. What size wheel do you mostly use for the blade hollow? Otherwise , we all wish and hope than someday we can come close to the perfection that you achieve!

[@beebot]

Very nice - I'd love to start blacksmithing. Plan to study it soon - how many hours of work go into each razor?

[@marcus460]

Just a beautiful job why do put scales on it ?

[@bratbasher]

Thank you! One more question! How heavy should the anvil be? I try to figure it out and reading on forums and so on but the say everything from 150kg and as heavy as you can get. Well 150kg is not a option for me so what do you rekommend?

[@jackruss4]

If you need a power hammer that may be less expensive as you normally would think, I may have a solution. I'll be in japan in a month or so. I know of some sources to obtain some. Don't know what your particular requirements are. Size, power requirements.

[@meocats]

how did you make the knurled like grip on the bottom of the tang just after the blade ends?