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Restoration Quote

I am accepting restoration work on occasion dependent on workload.  Please email with photographs of your razor(s) that you are looking to have work done on.  BRAD MAGGARD

INFO@MAGGARDRAZORS.COM

Pinning: I use a few types of metals for pinning – Brass, Nickel-Silver, and Stainless Steel. I use 1/16″ Brass or Nickel Silver Rod for the pins, and #0 Brass or Stainless Steel washers. I peen all of my razors with a 4oz or 8oz ballpeen hammer. These materials do not rust, therefore they are perfect for this application. I put a set of thin brass pivot washers between the tang and scales as well.

Scales: When possible, I always try to preserve the original scales — even if there are a few cosmetic issues with them. If they keep the blade safe, they are doing their job, so, why replace them? That said –unfortunately not every 100+ year old razor comes in working condition, so, why not make some nice pretty new scales ;) As time goes on, I have decided to stop making wood scales.  I don't think its a very good material for scales -- it can crack easily and may rot/warp over time.  I prefer using synthetics such as G-10, Micarta, and Carbon Fiber, but, where I really shine is when I get my hands on some beautiful buffalo horn blanks.  I have made enough horn blanks to know the ideal process for creating mirror-buffed, perfectly shaped buffalo horn scales.

Sanding: I use a variety of methods to sand pitting out of razors. I typically use 3M Wet/Dry Sandpaper — the dark grey colored sandpaper that is waterproof and usable on metals. It works far superior to the brown/tan colored wood sandpaper. I sand at the following grits: 100, 150, 220, 320, 400, 600, 1500. In addition, I use a bench top belt sander with belts ranging from 80 grit to 400 grit.. this cuts down on a little time…but honestly most of my jobs are finished off by hand, because of the control that hand sanding provides me.

Polishing Compunds: I use greaseless compounds in various grits (80, 120, 180, 240, 320, 400, 600), and emery compounds. I use these with  4″, 6″, and 8″ buffing wheels on a buffing machines ranging from 1100rpm to 1750rpm. I also use Emery compound, White rouge, Green compound,  MAAS and Mothers metal polishes for the final steps.

Tools: I use a small number of tools for my work. these include a Delta 1700/3400 Variable speed bench grinder/buffer, variable speed dremel, Jet 14" bandsaw, 4"x36" Belt sander, 6" disc sander, 2x72" belt sander, Drill press, Ball Peen Hammer, Coping Saw, Wire cutters, a respirator, and a bench vice.  The most important tool, is a good eye. 

My Goal: My main goal is removing active rust on blades. Many times, I will leave considerable pitting on blades, because it just doesn’t hinder a razors performance. I like a little bit of pitting on a 100…150…200 year old blade even if just to remind me of its age.

Honing: I use a series of hones to sharpen razors.  I typically use a Chosera 1000 stone for setting bevels, followed by Naniwa 3000, 8000, and Thuringian Finishers.