Thread: Expert eyes needed on vintage SR...

Hello all,

I came across this vintage blade today at a local thrift shop. Being a newbie, I'm not really sure what I'm dealing with here, so I was hoping that some of you with a keen eye for old SRs could give me some insight. What I would like to know is could this SR have the potential to be professionally honed and enjoyed as a usable shaver, or would it be more of a conversation piece? I have my tetanus shot . Obviously it has some ugly rust at the tail and hinge point, but it still opens and closes smoothly. The edge is still keen, although I highly doubt near shave ready, and did not appear warped at all. Not sure what the scales are made of, but my impression was plastic. The shop is asking $75 for it, but I had been told that its been there for several months and I could talk them down a bit. Any guesses on what one should be willing to pay for this in its condition? Let me know if more photos would be helpful and I'll return to the shop and take more- just let me know if there is anything specific you'd like to see. Thanks in advance!

Mike

From the pics

It looks to be a good solid razor that with just a little TLC and honing will be great shaver..

I don't do prices I only do condition plus I personally can't even make out the Maker from the pics


(Valuations are actually against the rules on SRP)

Is there a big crack in the middle of the blade? if not then that razor should be a good one to restore by propper cleaning from the active rust and set a new shaving edge to it.

I really don't believe anyone here will give an appraisal on what a razor is worth . A razor is worth what ever a person will pay. Now that that is said I can say from what I see the razor does look good and I do like Sheffield's. Really doesn't look like it would take too much to clean up and from what I see there's not much wear. the final price though is up to you. Enjoy the dilemma . that's something we all share.

Originally Posted by MrMagnus

Is there a big crack in the middle of the blade? if not then that razor should be a good one to restore by propper cleaning from the active rust and set a new shaving edge to it.

Good eye. I missed it. if it is a crack I would pass it by.

Looks to be a totally usable blade to me, a little polish (not a restoration), have it honed and you're off.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

From the pics

It looks to be a good solid razor that with just a little TLC and honing will be great shaver..

I don't do prices I only do condition plus I personally can't even make out the Maker from the pics


(Valuations are actually against the rules on SRP)

I can appreciate reasons for not giving an actual appraisal, certainly understood. So far what I'm getting from the replies so far is that it's not junk, so that gives me a little bit of confidence in it.

Originally Posted by MrMagnus

Is there a big crack in the middle of the blade? if not then that razor should be a good one to restore by propper cleaning from the active rust and set a new shaving edge to it.

After zooming in on the pic from my phone I do not believe it is a crack, but just some marring on the blade. I will, however, take a closer look at it before I decide on the purchase. Maybe I'll use the antique magnifying glass that's next to it ;-). Thank you for pointing that out.

The inscription on the box is LORIMER & SON SOUTH ST. ANDREW ST. ENDINBURGH

Looks like a Sheffield made for an Edinburgh retailer. Look at the other side of the suspected crack. If not there, it may be a scratch. (hopefully!)

What I do when assessing a "new" razor is to first check the overall condition, look for an inordinate amount of rust, warped, cracked, rotted or worm eaten scales. If all is good at the point then I check the condition of the blade it's self. I run my thumb across the edge not down it. I listen to it. A full hollow ground or even a 1/4 hollow will have a ring to it that is pleasant if there is no crack present. If it has a crack that is not seen, it will sound dull and raspish. A recognizable name or city will give you some clues to how good the razor should be if it passes all of the other criteria. In most cases you can't go wrong with Sheffield or Solingen steel. As far as the razor, it looks to be in good condition except for that potential crack. Learn the "Art of the Deal", don't be in such a rush to acquire a new razor that you jump at any opportunity that comes your way, you will spend a lot of time and money and usually end up with nothing. Spend a lot of time here Full A to Z list of Razor Manufacturers & their Dates of Operations as well as in the Library here. There are other sites as well. A little knowledge can be dangerous that is why you need to research the best you can. I had to break out my digital camera and the macro lens to try to see the name on the tang, important information alert, but couldn't see it well enough, same with the box but that is meaningless. It appears that crack terminates in a chip on the edge which is not a good sign.