Thread: Grandfathers straight razor

When my grandfather passed several years back one of the things I rescued was a straight razor he had. It's in rough shape, but maybe restorable. My question to the group is:
Can this razor be restored, and if so, what is a reasonable budget to do it?

I am new to SR shaving and this would be my first usable blade if I get it up to snuff. when I came across it, it had not been sharpened in decades and it did have some black oxidation, but not on the edge. I cleaned the blade with a product called Bar Keepers Friend and a scouring pad. It contains oxalic acid, which dissolves rust.

First, I'm not sure it was ever a quality blade. I have no real idea how old it may be.

Obviously the scales are broken and will need to be replaced. I'm not interested in getting something fancy like mother of pearl or ivory, or something. Plain, functional, durable scales will do.

Obviously I'm also new to honing a blade, and this blade is not the easiest to start on. I didn't let that stop me. I started with a 375 grit diamond hone, then a norton 4K/8K and finally a 12k super stone and stropping. The edge is now a mirror polish and it easily shaves the hair from my hand but I haven't tried it on my face yet. As part of the restoration I'd likely want a pro to do it right at least once and hope I can maintain it.

So I guess I'm looking for someone to remove the scales, polish up the whole blade surface as best as it can be, hone it perfect, and install new scales if it is a good blade at all.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

that could be a very nice blade,stop what you are doing and send it out to be restored,JMO

Other than trying it on my face later tonight, I have no more plans for DIY restoration efforts.

I agree with pixelfixed. Contact a reputable straight razor restorer. They will let you know, probably for the price of postage, if your razor can be salvaged.

If the blade can take and hold an edge, the only other thing that needs attention is a set a replacement scales--both for a price, of course.

Yes, get that heirloom restored! Contact a couple of members who offer restoration services, they can be found in the classifieds section, that way you'll have an idea of the cost and can decide which route to go. I know it may seem odd to send out an heirloom razor to a stanger, but I assure you the gentlemen of this forum are top notch. I had my great-great grandfather's razor restored by a member and couldn't be happier with his service and communication.

Get it sorted. I just wish I had my ancestors razor/s.


Mick

The scales will need to be replaced obviously but the blade looks to be in good shape and should be a darn fine shaver once it's cleaned up a bit.
Definitely a candidate for restoration especially since it's an heirloom.

+1 to the comments about sending it to a Pro.

I received two of my Grandfathers Straight Raors this year and promptly shipped them off to one of our members to be restored. I did not want to risk making them any worse.

It is so rare that any of us get the chance to be "the current custodian" of such an important link to our family and our past. For me it is an honor to help get this link back in top working order and using it as my Grandfather did.

Congratulations....

Here's what Glen (GSSIXGUN) did for my great grandfather's W&B! The scales were De-laminating so I had him make custom scales! He had offered to put the blade back in vintage scales but I decided to just go for it! Man was I pleased!

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ered-horn.html

Send that heirloom to a trusted restorer, You Will Not Regret It!

That's a nice blade and looks like it should come up beautifully. If only some one would give me a w&b in that condition I'd be very happy.