[Gangs of New York] "NO son..."

Nexus6

Sr Member
RPF PREMIUM MEMBER
"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. :)
 
Nicely done!

Always a treat to see ANY Props from this great film!

I have had a hankering since that film came out for Monks Sheigh-leigh leigh sp?
 
That looks fantastic! Can you shave with it, or is it just a theoretical razor-sharpness? I'm a sucker for straight razors.
 
That looks fantastic! Can you shave with it, or is it just a theoretical razor-sharpness? I'm a sucker for straight razors.
Hmmm. Well, I didn't try it on my face. When I sharpen knives (which is often), I periodically test the edge on my thigh. Consequently, I always have bare spots in the hair on my legs.

It will shave average hair with ease. I didn't try it on any facial whiskers. I might try it later tonight now that you've gotten me curious.

Besides:

 
I might try it later tonight now that you've gotten me curious.
Update: It turns out that it WILL shave facial whiskers, although not at all comfortably. I'll stick with my 'Fusion' for the actual shaving. :eek
 
Should have made the bloodcut along the outside edge of your big toe- No scar doing it that way.
 
Should have made the bloodcut along the outside edge of your big toe- No scar doing it that way.
Uhh - - - I guess I'm more OK with a scar on my hand, than I am with slicing my big toe. :eek

It hurts just thinking about it.
 
Update...

And FIN.

Caps:



Results:











The pouch (& strap) are fashioned from deer hide, dyed the appropriate color; & the Celtic cross is a pewter pendant (which had to be modified a bit) that I found on e-Bizzle. There were a lot of silver pendants available, but since Priest Vallon was supposed to be dirt poor (basically), I wanted to stay away from the use of any precious metals.
 
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