Yeah, that would be bad!When it's breaking the sound barrier and it comes from a barrel
The Shaving Cadre
Welcome to The Shaving Cadre, a forum dedicated to gentlemanly discourse about wet shaving and other topics of common interests. Membership is always free so register today and join in the fun
An Unexpected Journey: A Newbie's Walk In Wet Shaving
- Thread starter Blade-meister
- Start date
Asked and answeredWhen it's breaking the sound barrier and it comes from a barrel
Bummer about the Personnas. They are my favorite after Feathers.
When is a shot in the arm ever a bad thing??
When it's breaking the sound barrier and it comes from a barrel
That was pretty much the idea of a response i was going to post but it would seem there is no need!
Back in my university days i had a group of guys that had a semi regular poker night a few times a month. Those were some great nights! Currently i am lacking in a solid group of (local) guys to hang out with. It's largely due to my wacked out work schedule. Lucky for me the Cadre is a pretty good stand in for the time being!
Hey!
lol. not planning to replace the cadre, but adding in a group of guys i can actually meet up with on a regular basis would be good.
Not much happening on the shaving front. Still enjoying the shower shaves and hanging out with the dolphins.
On the personal side of things you all may know that I'm assembling my axe collection to start hand hewing timbers that I cut down to make way for the cabin. I don't have many, but they would be good practice. I needed a large broad axe in order to complete a basic woodsman's set of axes to work logs into useful, square timbers. I finally saw one in my price range on Ebay and put a fair offer in that was accepted. This gal is in rough shape. She didn't see a hard useful life, but likely spent the last 100 years leaning up against a barn wall with her blade on the dirt floor. But, that's why I got her so cheap, so time to get to work to get her back to usable shape. She's an oldy and hand forged for sure by a blacksmith in the 1800's most likely. I'll have to do some research to be sure of the age. There is a maker's mark, but it's really unreadable due to the pitting that occurred. Here she is just like I received her.
I took the wire wheel on the angle grinder to her because there were a couple of trouble spots that weren't evident from the pictures. All ended up ok. When you buy these old axes, you need to look for the carbon steel line on the axe blade. I like to see a finger to thumb width of the carbon steel still left on it. I see so many for sale that I just know don't have much carbon steel left which equals not much more life left in it unless some new high carbon steel is forged back in it. Broad axes generally have one flat side and one beveled side. The flat side is what you are hewing the beam with. The handle should also have an offset so that you hand is just far enough from the log so you don't skin your knuckles when hewing. At ten inches wide, this is all the broad axe I'll ever need to work any of the trees I have around in my forest.
I need to do more cleaning on it and then get to work filing the blade. The blade needs the edge filed flat because the pitting has made it uneven. I'll probably file some of the face so it gets somewhat smooth again so that it cuts smoothly not getting hung up on account of the pits. Once the head has been filed but still dull, I'll buy a new offset handle for it and hang the head on it. Once hung, it will get a final file sharpening then honing, then a good strop. Like a SR, you axes should shave hair off your arm. So, I'll be bring this gal and the double bit axe back to life at the same time. My Dad told me that the double bit axe was my great grandfather's. It will be my honor to put it back to work along with this broad axe. Dang I love these old tools! I wonder how many old buildings and barns were build with this broad axe?
On the personal side of things you all may know that I'm assembling my axe collection to start hand hewing timbers that I cut down to make way for the cabin. I don't have many, but they would be good practice. I needed a large broad axe in order to complete a basic woodsman's set of axes to work logs into useful, square timbers. I finally saw one in my price range on Ebay and put a fair offer in that was accepted. This gal is in rough shape. She didn't see a hard useful life, but likely spent the last 100 years leaning up against a barn wall with her blade on the dirt floor. But, that's why I got her so cheap, so time to get to work to get her back to usable shape. She's an oldy and hand forged for sure by a blacksmith in the 1800's most likely. I'll have to do some research to be sure of the age. There is a maker's mark, but it's really unreadable due to the pitting that occurred. Here she is just like I received her.
I took the wire wheel on the angle grinder to her because there were a couple of trouble spots that weren't evident from the pictures. All ended up ok. When you buy these old axes, you need to look for the carbon steel line on the axe blade. I like to see a finger to thumb width of the carbon steel still left on it. I see so many for sale that I just know don't have much carbon steel left which equals not much more life left in it unless some new high carbon steel is forged back in it. Broad axes generally have one flat side and one beveled side. The flat side is what you are hewing the beam with. The handle should also have an offset so that you hand is just far enough from the log so you don't skin your knuckles when hewing. At ten inches wide, this is all the broad axe I'll ever need to work any of the trees I have around in my forest.
I need to do more cleaning on it and then get to work filing the blade. The blade needs the edge filed flat because the pitting has made it uneven. I'll probably file some of the face so it gets somewhat smooth again so that it cuts smoothly not getting hung up on account of the pits. Once the head has been filed but still dull, I'll buy a new offset handle for it and hang the head on it. Once hung, it will get a final file sharpening then honing, then a good strop. Like a SR, you axes should shave hair off your arm. So, I'll be bring this gal and the double bit axe back to life at the same time. My Dad told me that the double bit axe was my great grandfather's. It will be my honor to put it back to work along with this broad axe. Dang I love these old tools! I wonder how many old buildings and barns were build with this broad axe?
Nasty roads in my neck of the woods. Snow, sleet, and freezing rain.
Looking forward to seeing your axes when you restore them.
We're expecting that later in the day, just in time for afternoon drive time.
This morning I felt like trying something new......shaving out in the snow. Well, not really, but I dug deep in my soap stack and found B&M's Promises that someone PIF'd me. Upon opening it has a combined scent of pine and black licorice though I'm supposed to smell bergamot, orange, whisky, heather honey, peat, saffron & nutmeg. Maybe there's just too much going on for me to separate it all out. The soap performed very well in my shower shave test. I liked it a lot and the post shave feel was great. It's not a MW caliber soap in my book, but it's a keeper for sure. I did a quick mammoth painting test, but shower shaves really don't allow great mammoth painting so tomorrow I'll try a regular mammoth painting outside the shower so I can gauge how well it lasts throughout the day.
On the personal side of things I got at that broad axe last night and took a wire wheel on the angle grinder to it. It cleaned up really well, but I still can't read the maker's mark on it. There's ways to soak it in vinegar or evaporust, or even do electrolysis, but all those remove the rich chocolate colored patina that's taken 150 years to build. I also don't want a silver / shiny broad axe when I'm done. Sure, I could put a fake patina back on it with chemicals I use on tomahawks I make, but it's not the same. I like my axes to look old, but perform well. Believe it or not, there a re a couple of old delaminations on this old axe. Normally that's a bad thing in blademaking, but this looks like the wrought iron was just hammer over the hard steel insert at lower than welding temps. The weld is great because the axe rings loudly like a bell. If the weld was bad or compromised it would not ring or it would have a funny tone around where the delam is located. I think in my case surface rust got under the delam and caused it to rise. I plan to gently grind them off to see what is underneath. From what I can see it looks fine under there. I couldn't see the delams from the pictures on Ebay so I got really lucky that they weren't critical failures. If they were failures it would have retired it to be a wall hanger. Lots of pitting on this old axe, but it will give the restored axe some character.
On the personal side of things I got at that broad axe last night and took a wire wheel on the angle grinder to it. It cleaned up really well, but I still can't read the maker's mark on it. There's ways to soak it in vinegar or evaporust, or even do electrolysis, but all those remove the rich chocolate colored patina that's taken 150 years to build. I also don't want a silver / shiny broad axe when I'm done. Sure, I could put a fake patina back on it with chemicals I use on tomahawks I make, but it's not the same. I like my axes to look old, but perform well. Believe it or not, there a re a couple of old delaminations on this old axe. Normally that's a bad thing in blademaking, but this looks like the wrought iron was just hammer over the hard steel insert at lower than welding temps. The weld is great because the axe rings loudly like a bell. If the weld was bad or compromised it would not ring or it would have a funny tone around where the delam is located. I think in my case surface rust got under the delam and caused it to rise. I plan to gently grind them off to see what is underneath. From what I can see it looks fine under there. I couldn't see the delams from the pictures on Ebay so I got really lucky that they weren't critical failures. If they were failures it would have retired it to be a wall hanger. Lots of pitting on this old axe, but it will give the restored axe some character.
Mammoth painting report.................I gave the Promises the full mammoth painting treatment. It did ok, but I keep getting wiffs that smell to me like pine......Au de Pinesol 
I think if I could add something with peppermint scent like an AS or AS lotion it would make a great Christmas scent.
I think if I could add something with peppermint scent like an AS or AS lotion it would make a great Christmas scent.
Wow, I just realized I hadn't written anything here since before Christmas!
On the shaving front, I got some new MW soaps for Christmas so I'm looking forward to getting those pucks in their containers and in use. My favorite Bay Rum and a new scent Irish Traveler. My dilemma is that MW doesn't perform too well in the shower and man I'm loving my shower shaves these days.
I also do not believe SR's work with the shower shaves. Yes obviously there is the safety aspect, but someone had to try it so I brought the kamisori Feather knock-off in for a test. Terrible shave that left irritation enough that I had to do minimal shaving for a couple of days to recover. For me, I just think it's probably a lack of skill with a soft, warm, face. Someone with experience could probably pull it off.
On the personal front, before Christmas I used some birthday money and picked up two old cross-cut saws. A 5 foot 2 man and a smaller one man that can have the handle moved to be a two man. I have to clean them up and sharpen them, but they are both in great shape for their age. Sharpening these large cross-cut saws is quite the art so I have to build a saw vise and clean them up. I have some books and writings on sharpening them so I'll be reading up on that before attempting.
I also had a chance while off to get my axe handles ready so I can hang that broad axe and double bit axe. I'll probably do that tomorrow and give the handles a few good coats of danish oil. The double bit axe is my great grandfather's and my Dad remembers using it to split wood with when he was a lad helping on the farm. Glad he saved it all these years. The handle for the broad axe is offset so you don't scrape your knuckles on the log you are hewing. Once hung, then it's onto sharpening. Both axes should shave hair if properly sharpened which is going to be a lot of work. Can't wait to put these axes back into use.
I got out on the property too and cut a new trail from the house to the cabin. The other trail was directly to the old location. I also spotted this old road on my property that would be perfect for me to get to the main road up into my property without having to drive on the state road that is in front of my house. I began clearing the road of trees and scrub brush. After some research I realized it is part of the old Catskill Turnpike that was a stage coach run prior to the state building the road in 1930. I wondered, because the dang road was flat and solid with no large trees growing in it. The other roads on my property look like the typical roads you'd find up in the woods, but this one was quite different. I guess I'll be putting that road back into use again after it's 90 year break! Nothing like having fun with the chainsaw in the woods and finding something historic like that.
On the shaving front, I got some new MW soaps for Christmas so I'm looking forward to getting those pucks in their containers and in use. My favorite Bay Rum and a new scent Irish Traveler. My dilemma is that MW doesn't perform too well in the shower and man I'm loving my shower shaves these days.
I also do not believe SR's work with the shower shaves. Yes obviously there is the safety aspect, but someone had to try it so I brought the kamisori Feather knock-off in for a test. Terrible shave that left irritation enough that I had to do minimal shaving for a couple of days to recover. For me, I just think it's probably a lack of skill with a soft, warm, face. Someone with experience could probably pull it off.
On the personal front, before Christmas I used some birthday money and picked up two old cross-cut saws. A 5 foot 2 man and a smaller one man that can have the handle moved to be a two man. I have to clean them up and sharpen them, but they are both in great shape for their age. Sharpening these large cross-cut saws is quite the art so I have to build a saw vise and clean them up. I have some books and writings on sharpening them so I'll be reading up on that before attempting.
I also had a chance while off to get my axe handles ready so I can hang that broad axe and double bit axe. I'll probably do that tomorrow and give the handles a few good coats of danish oil. The double bit axe is my great grandfather's and my Dad remembers using it to split wood with when he was a lad helping on the farm. Glad he saved it all these years. The handle for the broad axe is offset so you don't scrape your knuckles on the log you are hewing. Once hung, then it's onto sharpening. Both axes should shave hair if properly sharpened which is going to be a lot of work. Can't wait to put these axes back into use.
I got out on the property too and cut a new trail from the house to the cabin. The other trail was directly to the old location. I also spotted this old road on my property that would be perfect for me to get to the main road up into my property without having to drive on the state road that is in front of my house. I began clearing the road of trees and scrub brush. After some research I realized it is part of the old Catskill Turnpike that was a stage coach run prior to the state building the road in 1930. I wondered, because the dang road was flat and solid with no large trees growing in it. The other roads on my property look like the typical roads you'd find up in the woods, but this one was quite different. I guess I'll be putting that road back into use again after it's 90 year break! Nothing like having fun with the chainsaw in the woods and finding something historic like that.
I thought you had your supply cut off
GearNoir
“The Disney Princess’s Apprentice”
A guy can still dream!
I tried a Supermax Blade for the first time this morning and thought it was a great blade and very smooth. I think it was a platinum or titanium coated, something like that. For me it was just a great shaving blade.
On the personal side of things, I got all my axes hung on their handles and am beginning the sharpening stage. Could I use a belt grinder? Yup, but I'm deciding to go old school with files and honing stones. The trail axe sharpened up really well, enough to cut my finger to paper cut depth just running it along checking for sharpness. The broad hatchet was really hard steel. The file mostly wants to skate which was nice to see because some fool took a dremmel to it in an effort to try to sharpen it. It's getting there but not razor sharp yet. I haven't gotten to the big broad axe or my double bit axe. Once they are all sharpened I'll take a final picture of the entire group. Right now I'm really busy and won't be getting to them.
The good news is that my welder arrives tomorrow. I took the proceeds from my last sale of the tomahawks and purchased one. I love learning new things, so it will be a journey.....a long journey to figure out how to weld competently. Nothing opens up more possibilities than being able to weld. Lots of Mr. Fix-it stuff around the house and of course blacksmithing stuff in the forge. I think I just sprouted a few hairs on the back of my knee just thinking about it!
On the personal side of things, I got all my axes hung on their handles and am beginning the sharpening stage. Could I use a belt grinder? Yup, but I'm deciding to go old school with files and honing stones. The trail axe sharpened up really well, enough to cut my finger to paper cut depth just running it along checking for sharpness. The broad hatchet was really hard steel. The file mostly wants to skate which was nice to see because some fool took a dremmel to it in an effort to try to sharpen it. It's getting there but not razor sharp yet. I haven't gotten to the big broad axe or my double bit axe. Once they are all sharpened I'll take a final picture of the entire group. Right now I'm really busy and won't be getting to them.
The good news is that my welder arrives tomorrow. I took the proceeds from my last sale of the tomahawks and purchased one. I love learning new things, so it will be a journey.....a long journey to figure out how to weld competently. Nothing opens up more possibilities than being able to weld. Lots of Mr. Fix-it stuff around the house and of course blacksmithing stuff in the forge. I think I just sprouted a few hairs on the back of my knee just thinking about it!