A well dressed Wapi?

**Toff** · 08-19-2012, 05:31 PM

Hi Folks
I have been enamored of the French point razors and I believe the Wapi blade is a good example of their style and grace. Howsomever, the factory scales are less than delightful!
I decided to do something about that! Some old acrylic plus about three hours did the trick. No power equipment used except to cut out and drill the pin holes. Been a while since i scaled a razor from scratch and it was a lot of fun! Sanded through 2000 and then Mother's polish. I didn't go to a high polish because..I didn't! A trip to the Y/G Thuringian she drops hairs and is ready for a speed shave tomorrow!

It is interesting to work with a shave ready razor; and I can still count to twenty!

I thought I would try a balance..I never knew why but lately I think it may help in honing to have the blade balance along the shank. This blade in the original scales was not the easiest to get a full edge upon. Now it lays flat and easy.

Here she be!

Thanks for looking!
~Richard

**prsman23** · 08-19-2012, 08:14 PM

Very beautiful work. Love the lines of the scales. Those are acrylic??? Where do you find that in such a beautiful color? I've only seen it in the standard blues and reds. Not like that... Very cool.

**Toff** · 08-20-2012, 09:36 AM

Thanks! The acrylic is available in blocks from some of the pen turning supply companies. Be sure to order a 6" length as they sell usually in 5" lengths. You sill have to slice it to the thickness that you want. Google "Pen turning supplies," and check for "Acrylic."

I shaved today with the Wapi and I really like the shape and weight of the new scales. They are very light and the razor flicks with ease. The Wapi went from a clutzy good cutting chunk to a really delicate precision shaver. The gun stock shape is not a new idea; they were available from many manufactures at the turn of the 20th century; Torrey, Ern, and Morley for sure. A Morley is shown.

~Richard