Thread: My First Straight Razor

Hi guys, Well have been shaving with shavette's for over a year now. And have finally decided its time to start preparing for straight razor shaving. So I decided I would go down the vintage route and get it restored. Ok so I seen one on ebay I liked and didn’t want to pay too much and this was at a very nice price so I brought it and it turned up today. So thought would upload some pictures and see what you guys think, was it a good buy? Are there any problems with razor that wont allow it to be restored? Etc. I was going to have new custom made scales on it, some black horn with a red wedge. But the scales on this seem to be in good condition, no cracks just some obvious scratches. They seem to be made of plastic instead of wood. What do you guys reckon new custom made scales or original? I really like the idea of the black horn with a red wedge.

Oh yea if anyone as any idea of the age of the razor and any other information about it that would be great. It only says Warranted Hollow Ground Germany on it.

Thanks

That razor has issues. It has a lot of wear and the edge as it is now is toast so it will have to be honed back to get all the corrosion out assuming it doesn't extend too deep and then you will have a narrower razor. Hopefully it will not need a re grind. Someone took off corrosion already and you have pitting there too.Then of course the bevel has to be reset and all that. I think if I were you I'd put that aside as a project for when I was good at restoration. I'd get something in better shape

At one time it was a quality razor.

I can't see too much hone wear on that blade, however the bevel is a bit manky as Bigspender said.
I've had worse blades that have come out OK.
At least you seem to have a fair bit of steel to work with being a heavy blade.
I'd be looking for a shave ready vintage blade from the classifieds to use until this one gets back on it's feet.
At least you know that we love photos here - you'll do well with that attitude
Let us know how you go.