Thread: Newbie - Ebay Purchase

I bought this razor a while back on Ebay. I don't see any identifying marks - and I've read just enough to know that 'Solingen' doesn't always mean trustworthy. Any idea whether I should have this honed to be shave-ready, or just start over?

Thanks


http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...m=320082083589

I'm a complete newbie when it comes to straight razors, but I thought the trickery with the Solingen name was when they printed "Solingen" on the scales, but not the blade, so they were not technically lying. But on your razor it says Solingen on the blade, so I think that means it's probaby real Solingen steel.

Oh my...

I have been told that there are "usurpers" of the Solingen name and that to deal with this the Solingen makers actually used a "group" brand name such as Revisor - several different makers made Revisor razors. I do not know how true this is. Mind you, even then the razor doesn't have to be a POS.

Since you spent so much already, and it does look good - I'd say you get it honed. My bet is that it would be a good shaver, but probably not one of the best (because the primo manufacturers always had some brand or other on the blades).

Honing isn't that expensive, and you will have the benefit of a honemeister actually testing the edge before sending away to you, so at least you will be certain it's a good one. I also think that the honemeisters would outright refuse to hone a crap razor (and will just return it to you) = you won't get charged for honing if they see the razor isn't any good and you're only out for shipping.

Also - ask around to see if there is a senior mamber in your area - you may get some face time, an evaluation, a free honing, and learn a lot if someone can spare the time.

Good luck
Ivo

If it says Solingen Germany on the shank, it's likely not a POS knock off and there's every chance you'll get a good shave out of it. Get her honed up.

Have you read the Permanent Archives of the Help Files yet?

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