Thread: Grandfathers straight razor

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. I'm still torn on the budget part of the deal. I'm not particularly attached to it as an heirloom. I want a razor to start shaving with. Can I restore this one for the same price I can buy a new one of reasonable quality, and what quality might this be once restored. I'm just trying to do the calculus. From what I've gathered it's not possible to quote a ballpark price without holding the razor in your hands.

The blade looks fairly clean with little to no pitting so it's likely to only need a new set of scales and a good polishing & honing. May not cost as much as you think. PM one of the guys that do this kind of work and they could give you a reasonably close estimate.

+1 to Brengun's comments.

The great thing about the restorations available is you can probably get a clean/buff/hone and a set of basic scales for less than a "new" razor.
Later, when the budget allows and you have some ideas you can have the razor re-scaled (or do it yourself) and dress it up a bit.

This evening I got word from Glen that the pair from my Grandfather that I had sent him were on the way home...

Report to follow.

Originally Posted by kbailey

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. I'm still torn on the budget part of the deal. I'm not particularly attached to it as an heirloom. I want a razor to start shaving with. Can I restore this one for the same price I can buy a new one of reasonable quality, and what quality might this be once restored. I'm just trying to do the calculus. From what I've gathered it's not possible to quote a ballpark price without holding the razor in your hands.

First and Foremost, you can't buy or replace 'Heritage' or 'History' it just can't be done! Secondly I can show you razors that a friend of mine paid about $500.00 (EACH) for so yes, you can afford to preserve Heritage AND History at a very reasonable price! Lastly yes the razor must be in hand for close inspection as there may be faults and or problems that a mere layman may not see but a seasoned Pro will.

Have it restored, I doubt that you will ever regret it!

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Originally Posted by kbailey

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. I'm still torn on the budget part of the deal. I'm not particularly attached to it as an heirloom. I want a razor to start shaving with. Can I restore this one for the same price I can buy a new one of reasonable quality, and what quality might this be once restored. I'm just trying to do the calculus. From what I've gathered it's not possible to quote a ballpark price without holding the razor in your hands.

It is much easier to quote with razor in hand & as you may have noticed from the replies we don't do valuations on the open forum.

The shave quality will only be known when it's honed but it is from a popular & respected maker.

And yes, a new entry level Dovo is often cheaper than the cost of a restoration.

It actually looks like there is very little wear on the blade. Someone scratched it trying to clean it though.

The scales can and should be replaced. You might look around and see if someone can lighten the scratches and still leave the engraving.

Nice razor. Restoration for display or just repaired for shaving, whatever you do with it, please do it justice.

Thanks for sharing.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

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

What u have is one of the best shavers ever produced IMHO. 1850's India steel W&B are renowned for taking an excellent edge.

Do no scour the blade any more- it looks like you are damaging an etching which would have otherwise been is excellent shape.

I have a diamond edge and it is one heck if a razor. Yours is a fine example. The fact that its an heirloom brings this blade to the next level.

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by kbailey

Thank you all so much for your thoughts. I'm still torn on the budget part of the deal. I'm not particularly attached to it as an heirloom. I want a razor to start shaving with. Can I restore this one for the same price I can buy a new one of reasonable quality, and what quality might this be once restored. I'm just trying to do the calculus. From what I've gathered it's not possible to quote a ballpark price without holding the razor in your hands.

I'm no expert but I have cleaned up razors that looked much worse than yours. I bet a pro can fix yours up for less than you think. I would love to have the opertunity you have to bring back a razor that my Grandad used to shave with. I would be happy to pay more than the price of a new razor to bring back a piece of family history that I could some day pass on to another generation. Good luck with what ever you decide to do, I hope it works out for you.

Richard