This razor blade is in 52100 carbon steel and complimented by some Umboya scales with some great patterning. The razor has a wedge made from African Blackwood, and is pinned with aluminium and 316 L stainless steel washers on the inner and outer sides of the pivot. the reason for the additional washers on the inside is to prevent scratches on the blade near the pivot, as you can see the blade has had a bit more work done to it than the conventional Whackers in their distinctive raw grey and blue shades, and has a polished appearance. The steel is 6 thick on the spine and has a half hollow grind with a height of 25 mm, the razor weighs 93 grams and it is is shave ready. Hardness is dialed in at 62-63 HRC. The bevel angle is just under 14 degrees.
This razor has an overall length of 192 mm with the blade measuring 165 mm from toe to tang, and is suitable for chaps with large, to very large hands, this is not a 1400 Nissan bakkie..more like a Ford F250 dual rear wheel!
52100 steel is a little tougher than O1 toolsteel that we also use in these razors, so expect to spend a bit more time honing it to a great edge, but the reward is in the edge that retains its sharpness for longer than the O1.
The Bundu Whacker is range of razors that are meant to fill a void in the market, and as with many new product lines, cost to customer was the biggest criteria. Our main aim is to collaborate with Andre from Grobler Cutlery to produce a handmade razor for around 2-3 k. Despite the limitations we had on allowable input costs of these razors, the coolness factor was certainly not lost, these are some damn pretty creations and I personally prefer them over most vintage razors I have used, and even some new razors from larger manufacturers. They are all created from raw materials and are individually unique in appearance.
Humidity is your razors's number one enemy, dry properly after use and oil when stored for prolonged periods or when in high humidity environments.