Lather Catcher Handle Upgrade

I have made a number of custom handles for lather catchers over the years. I could not find the right size of threads, so I used the closest I could find, #9 sheet metal screws. Greg in Michigan was able to make the right size threads. I don't know how he did it, but he did it. I contacted him and asked him if he could make me a dozen threaded rods about 3/4 inch in length. I wanted to replace the threads in the handles I had and then have a little supply in case I wanted to make more handles.

I used the rods above to replace the sheet metal screws below. In all, I upgraded six of my lather catcher handles.

The first handle I upgraded was the handle I had made for my Gem Jr. Bar razor.

It was a pretty easy process. I just used my plyers to unscrew the old threads and then screw in the new. I only had to cut off excess threads on two of the handles. These threads are literally "made to order." They fit perfectly. Thanks Greg.

A Handle for Mikey's Yaqi SHADE

 Today I am making a handle for Mikey's Yaqi SHADE. Here it is without a finish.

Here it is after phase two: polycrylic.

Custom Razor Handle

 This is my new handle. It originally lived as a MicroMatic Open Comb razor. A shaver, GAW7596, on TOST3 had made two handles like this. I asked him about how he did it. He revealed his secret, and I tried to do it, too. I only got as far as cutting the handle off. He offered to finish it for me, and I agreed. He threaded the handle and sent along two double-threaded pieces that will accommodate most SE razors. The threaded piece screws into the bottom of the razor head and then into the handle. Thanks, Greg.

This is as far as I got.

Gary finished it off.

The following pictures are with my Gem Jr. lather catcher. It uses the second screw attachment.

New Handle for Enders Speed Razor

I created this wooden handle for Mike's Enders Speed Razor. It is oak with a purple heart center.

Here is the Speed Razor beside the Speed Shaver.

New Handle for Enders Speed Shaver

 The Speed Shaver came after the Speed Razor. I made a handle for what I thought was going to be the Speed Razor, but I found out it was going to be a Speed Shaver. That is the one with the pointy end.

I have the new handle ready for the Speed Shaver coming to me in the mail. The mail has slowed down. It was supposed to arrive today, but it did not. Here is the handle. I made it with oak sandwiching purple heart.

I Make a Wooden Handle for an Enders Speed Razor

 I was asked if I could make a wooden handle for an Enders Speed Razor. I have made one for the Enders Speed Shaver, but this will be my first time for the ESR. Michael in Louisiana is sending me his Speed Razor. I used mine as a model to make three possible handles. I decided to make laminate handles. Two handles have walnut on the outside with oak in the middle. Then, I made one with oak on the outside with purple heart on the inside. Michael will get to pick the one he wants, then when his arrives, I will remove the old handle and fit the new one to his razor. I will sand and finish the handle with polycrylic and glue it into the handle. There is a pin in the end of the handle. I think I will be replacing it with a small screw. I will update this page as I progress. I am just waiting on the razor.

Update: 28 May

To get some knowledge and experience, I decided to change the handle on my Enders Speed Razor.  As a result, I found out some interesting things.  I tried grinding off the post on the top of the handle. I got it down level and tried to punch it out. By doing so, I broke off part of the head. Evidently on the two outside edges of the head there are some "wings" that go into slots in the handle. I got the handle out, but I broke off the "wings." No problem. I ground the edges of the head smooth and then began to fit it to the head. It took  a lot of fitting, until I got it just right.  Anywho, I found a nail to replace the stud on the top of the handle. I got it all put together with epoxy and let it set overnight. This morning I got out the razor and some sand paper. I got it all cleaned up, rounded the edges a bit, and finished it with polycrylic.  It is now drying and I will do a second coat of pollycrylic. It is going to look really nice. I think next week will be Enders Speed Razor with wooden handle week. I will put up pictures when it is finished. I did not do pictures of the process. 

Three New Lather Catcher Handles

 Tom White turned me some ferrules for my lather catcher handles. Here are three that I turned and finished today.

Two Lather Catcher Handles

I am making these two handles for Michael down in Louisiana. I got them turned and the threads set. Then I moved on to finishing.

 I am doing one in ivory and one in green.

Here they are all done.

New Handle for Lather Catcher

I finished this handle today.

New Handle for Lather Catcher

I made this handle for a young man on The Shave Den who has two lather catchers and wanted a wooden vintage style handle. I used one of my left over Louisville Slugger stubs for the handle.

Louisville Slugger stub

I got the basic shape.

I have set the screw.

With Gem Jr. Lather Catcher

It fits in the box.

And the box closes.

Two New Lather Catcher Handles

I was making a long lather catcher handle for a shaver in Washington. I decided to make two while I was at it. Here they are. I finished them with Ivory colored paint and a clear polycrylic coat.