"Never. The blood stays on the blade."
I've been on a little 'Gangs of New York' kick, since I got finished with my last project. I've got several pieces from this film, currently "on the bench", in various stages of completion. The first one I finished is Priest Vallon's razor, which has several prominent appearances on-screen.
First, I took a few screencaps to get the size/shape/dimensions of the piece:
For the blade, I decided to use a piece of the steel from a butcher knife that a friend of mine discarded. I liked the idea that the razor on my replica would be a fairly decent piece of tempered carbon steel. I am very good at sharpening knives by hand, so I was able to put an edge on this blade that can easily shave hair.
I was originally planning to make the handle from wood (or maybe even plastic), which would later receive a convincing (hopefully) paintjob. But while discussing it with another friend of mine, the idea of using 'stag', was interjected.
**** Now before I go any further, I feel obligated to thank this person in writing (even though he's not a member here). I have dubbed him: "Parts-Master", because on multiple occasions, he has made it possible for my favorite props, to be that much more awesome by suggesting (& sometimes even procuring) excellent materials for me to use. More often than not, his suggestions are things that I never even considered.
Anyway, I didn't know where I might get a piece of deer antler of an appropriate size/shape to use. It turns out that "Parts-Master" (being of Native American descent) has half a dozen boxes of skulls, bones, antlers, etc, from various animals, that he uses for all kinds of Native American crafts. Long story not-so-short, he generously provided me with an antler that appeared to be usable.
Just as an FYI, deer antler REALLY STINKS when you start to cut it. Ever been to the dentist having a tooth drilled, & get a whiff of burnt tooth? It's like that, only about 20 times worse. I shaped the piece using my Dremel & various grits of sandpaper. So without further ado (incidentally, the first 3 photos below, I took to emulate the first 3 screencaps ^above^):
I was only able to get 3 clear pix without the flash. I like them better, because the flash tends to wash out the actual color of the handle.
For the "blood on the blade", I give you what I like to call "commitment" (or is that insanity?):
I sliced myself (very superficially) with the razor, & let it dry, sort of smeared on the steel. It looked GREAT. However, it was for naught, because even after it dried, it would wipe right off with just a swipe of your finger. So, I ended up using some red acrylic paint, with a touch of blue & yellow mixed in. It looks about the same, & is much more durable/less painful.
Anyway, there you have it. I'm currently on the hunt for some suitable fabric, & a Celtic cross pendant, to make the carrying case:
I should have that done in a week or two.
Thanks for looking.
I've been on a little 'Gangs of New York' kick, since I got finished with my last project. I've got several pieces from this film, currently "on the bench", in various stages of completion. The first one I finished is Priest Vallon's razor, which has several prominent appearances on-screen.
First, I took a few screencaps to get the size/shape/dimensions of the piece:
For the blade, I decided to use a piece of the steel from a butcher knife that a friend of mine discarded. I liked the idea that the razor on my replica would be a fairly decent piece of tempered carbon steel. I am very good at sharpening knives by hand, so I was able to put an edge on this blade that can easily shave hair.
I was originally planning to make the handle from wood (or maybe even plastic), which would later receive a convincing (hopefully) paintjob. But while discussing it with another friend of mine, the idea of using 'stag', was interjected.
**** Now before I go any further, I feel obligated to thank this person in writing (even though he's not a member here). I have dubbed him: "Parts-Master", because on multiple occasions, he has made it possible for my favorite props, to be that much more awesome by suggesting (& sometimes even procuring) excellent materials for me to use. More often than not, his suggestions are things that I never even considered.
Anyway, I didn't know where I might get a piece of deer antler of an appropriate size/shape to use. It turns out that "Parts-Master" (being of Native American descent) has half a dozen boxes of skulls, bones, antlers, etc, from various animals, that he uses for all kinds of Native American crafts. Long story not-so-short, he generously provided me with an antler that appeared to be usable.
Just as an FYI, deer antler REALLY STINKS when you start to cut it. Ever been to the dentist having a tooth drilled, & get a whiff of burnt tooth? It's like that, only about 20 times worse. I shaped the piece using my Dremel & various grits of sandpaper. So without further ado (incidentally, the first 3 photos below, I took to emulate the first 3 screencaps ^above^):
I was only able to get 3 clear pix without the flash. I like them better, because the flash tends to wash out the actual color of the handle.
For the "blood on the blade", I give you what I like to call "commitment" (or is that insanity?):
I sliced myself (very superficially) with the razor, & let it dry, sort of smeared on the steel. It looked GREAT. However, it was for naught, because even after it dried, it would wipe right off with just a swipe of your finger. So, I ended up using some red acrylic paint, with a touch of blue & yellow mixed in. It looks about the same, & is much more durable/less painful.
Anyway, there you have it. I'm currently on the hunt for some suitable fabric, & a Celtic cross pendant, to make the carrying case:
I should have that done in a week or two.
Thanks for looking.