Not Sure if I Should Take a Chance on This Otto Deutsch Hans

Hi All-I have been wanting an OD Hans for the longest time (let one get sniped away from me at just $2.50 over my max bid last night, agghh!), and I was tempted by this BIN for a good price. What concerns me is the pitting on the back side near the toe. I was just wondering if you resto experts think it is worth taking a chance on, as it is in good shape otherwise. I'm wondering if some judicious hand sanding might get me to decent, honeable steel if I can even out that edge past any pitting issues.

I realize I am running the risk in calling attention to it that one of you might steal it away from me, but if so, so be it. So what do the SRP experts think-is it worth the risk? I appreciate any thoughts! Aaron

Edit: Sorry, here is the link!

http://www.ebay.com/itm/111372775350...84.m1423.l2649

do you have a link?

I've never owned one of those beauties precisely because of the risk. I have known of a couple of members who've owned them, and they seem to be stable. The sad fact is that some scales are prone to gassing and the subsequent cell rot, and the Hans is one of them. You pays your money and you takes your chances. :boohoo:

Edit ; there is a slue of them on the bay right now .......

http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trks...at=0&_from=R40

Sorry, I added the link in my edit

Don't think you can go wrong for that price. I restored one and sold it for a good price. Took a nice edge when I honed it.

The one you've linked looks to me as if it has had a pattern of corrosion very like the painted on appearance of rot buffed off. I could be wrong but that is how I see it. Not to mention what appears to me to be spine wear from center out each way.

I wouldn't - if the scales are decomposing you'll have to throw them away and to me they are big part of the razor.
None of mine has issues, but they look pretty much like factory condition, I've seen a number on ebay with rotting scales though, so any indication to that makes is way too risky for me.

Thanks for the advice all-That price sure is tempting, though. I wonder if you could take a celluloid-scaled razor and store it open in some sort of improvised sleeve (though that seems impractical, and certainly not good for a fragile hollow-ground edge.:hmmm:

I agree with Jimmy. It has gassed and pitted the blade, obvious! I have avoided them for reasons mentioned above. IF I had a pristine one, I would slather the scales in wet type silicone and soak for a few days, wipe off, Store it with the blade open with plenty of ventilation, just in case! They can get quite horrid.
Beautiful razors, though!

The more Iook the more it appears to have an edge problem about 1/2 inch in from the tip. Can't tell if it a small chip or a hairline crack. I would question the seller and ask for good pictures of that area.