CJB Razors - Do they make a folder?

**ladykate** · 07-30-2012, 06:41 PM

Anyone know if CJB makes a folder? I ask because I just discombubalated a used CJB and it is built almost (almost) to the dimensions of the Feather RG folder, complete with pivot pin.

Was going to put a custom non-folder handle on it but am now thinking about making a folder out of it. The greeble in the hole is just a piece of extra plastic left over from the mold.

Click image for larger version.

Name: cjbautopsy2.jpg
Views: 323
Size: 152.1 KB
ID: 261635

**paco664** · 07-30-2012, 07:28 PM

nope... they don't...

but that has serious potential...

**ladykate** · 07-30-2012, 07:32 PM

Originally Posted by paco664

nope... they don't...

but that has serious potential...

I'm going to do a simple set of scales and see how it goes. Interesting about the dimensions. The CJB is slightly thinner but length and width are very close - including the positioning of the hole.

Oh... and that is your CJB, Paco (well... mine now). It is brass (or yellow something) under the plating. I took off a slight burr on the inside and yellow stuff showed through. I was wondering what its makeup was.

**paco664** · 07-30-2012, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by ladykate

I was wondering what its makeup was.

probably something radioactive...

**ladykate** · 07-30-2012, 08:30 PM

Originally Posted by paco664

probably something radioactive...

Melamine. They bought it from China as brass ore.

**casus4844** · 07-30-2012, 09:47 PM

They actually do, but it was discontinued. I was trying to buy some but they had defects and I didn't want to order 10 of them not knowing the defects :(

**ladykate** · 07-31-2012, 10:33 AM

OK... I can make walnut scales fairly quickly so I made a set for the CJB. It looks just like a folder... I wonder what the defects were that they were talking about? The tang was warped just a tad - I didn't try to straighten it... yet. The pivot pin hole was a bit rough and a bit large so I bored it out and shimmed it with some 5/32 brass (see second picture). I doubt any of that was needed, though. Pretty straight forward.

Click image for larger version.

Name: cjbfolder1-1small.jpg
Views: 299
Size: 269.1 KB
ID: 261744

Click image for larger version.

Name: cjbfolder1-2.jpg
Views: 299
Size: 260.0 KB
ID: 261745

**Khay** · 07-31-2012, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by ladykate

OK... I can make walnut scales fairly quickly so I made a set for the CJB. It looks just like a folder... I wonder what the defects were that they were talking about? The tang was warped just a tad - I didn't try to straighten it... yet. The pivot pin hole was a bit rough and a bit large so I bored it out and shimmed it with some 5/32 brass (see second picture). I doubt any of that was needed, though. Pretty straight forward.

Eh, almost looked like a Feather RG with the wood handles :) Pretty good !

**Mike H** · 07-31-2012, 10:37 AM

Fantastic work LK

**otto76** · 07-31-2012, 10:43 AM

Pretty nifty, nice scales!

**smalltank** · 07-31-2012, 10:51 AM

just wondering..any advantage to having a folding razor vs non folding?..yea ok..one folds the other doesnt..personal preference?

**ladykate** · 07-31-2012, 10:56 AM

Originally Posted by smalltank

just wondering..any advantage to having a folding razor vs non folding?..yea ok..one folds the other doesnt..personal preference?

Some like the scales sticking up when shaving. I'm ambivalent about it. It also changes the grip and some like the scales between their fingers - more secure. Folders are very nice for keeping the blade covered, too. Stick them in a toothpaste tube carrier and it is secure.

Also, the balance is different with a folder. The CJB holder (and Feather and other clones) are somewhat heavy and the scales need to be a bit heavy else it all feels kinda weird. I made these thicker than normal but I could have added a tad more weight (I think).

In all, though, I think I like the Japanese versions just as much - or maybe a bit more. The slim handle allows me to shave the weird hair on my neck (it grows in a slight swirl) and a Japanese handle is more compact.

**ladykate** · 07-31-2012, 11:01 AM

Originally Posted by Khay

Eh, almost looked like a Feather RG with the wood handles :)

Yep... I wonder where I got that scale design from? It looks just like I traced it from my RG folder. Maybe added 3/8 of an inch for the wedge. Nah... I would be much more creative than that...

Click image for larger version.

Name: icon_evillol.gif
Views: 286
Size: 147 Bytes
ID: 261753

**Khay** · 07-31-2012, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by ladykate

Yep... I wonder where I got that scale design from? It looks just like I traced it from my RG folder. Maybe added 3/8 of an inch for the wedge. Nah... I would be much more creative than that...

Hehehe...great work regardless :)

**paco664** · 07-31-2012, 04:50 PM

looks great to me...

**ladykate** · 08-01-2012, 08:57 AM

The shave was great this morning. When I pinned the razor, I made it somewhat tight - and because the tang was slightly warped, I was getting drag when the blade cycled through the scales. I straightened the tang in a vice (crossing fingers) and it is now dead-on. I think a key is to make it very snug - just like the new Feather folders generally are. The scales definitely made it very secure in my hand.

edit: Oh.. and the weight distribution is fine. I was a tad worried as I made it - the scales were light and I hadn't snugged them down - it was feeling a bit odd. However, once the scales were tightened up, it became one with itself. Nice balance.

**Doc226** · 08-01-2012, 09:05 AM

That looks great.

**otto76** · 08-01-2012, 09:07 AM

Cool!
I just noticed the part in your first post where you asked if CJB made a folder after you dissected the one you had to make a folder. I like it!

**Nova316** · 08-02-2012, 06:57 AM

that's so neat!
I wanna turn my CJB into a folder now I enjoy the folding razors, plus it protects the blade

Definitely will be on my list for my next project.
Thanks for the info!