Grandfathers straight razor

When my grandfather passed several years back one of the things I rescued was a straight razor he had. It's in rough shape, but maybe restorable. My question to the group is:
Can this razor be restored, and if so, what is a reasonable budget to do it?

I am new to SR shaving and this would be my first usable blade if I get it up to snuff. when I came across it, it had not been sharpened in decades and it did have some black oxidation, but not on the edge. I cleaned the blade with a product called Bar Keepers Friend and a scouring pad. It contains oxalic acid, which dissolves rust.

First, I'm not sure it was ever a quality blade. I have no real idea how old it may be.

Obviously the scales are broken and will need to be replaced. I'm not interested in getting something fancy like mother of pearl or ivory, or something. Plain, functional, durable scales will do.

Obviously I'm also new to honing a blade, and this blade is not the easiest to start on. I didn't let that stop me. I started with a 375 grit diamond hone, then a norton 4K/8K and finally a 12k super stone and stropping. The edge is now a mirror polish and it easily shaves the hair from my hand but I haven't tried it on my face yet. As part of the restoration I'd likely want a pro to do it right at least once and hope I can maintain it.

So I guess I'm looking for someone to remove the scales, polish up the whole blade surface as best as it can be, hone it perfect, and install new scales if it is a good blade at all.

Your thoughts are greatly appreciated.

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

Other than trying it on my face later tonight, I have no more plans for DIY restoration efforts.

I agree with pixelfixed. Contact a reputable straight razor restorer. They will let you know, probably for the price of postage, if your razor can be salvaged.

If the blade can take and hold an edge, the only other thing that needs attention is a set a replacement scales--both for a price, of course.

Yes, get that heirloom restored! Contact a couple of members who offer restoration services, they can be found in the classifieds section, that way you'll have an idea of the cost and can decide which route to go. I know it may seem odd to send out an heirloom razor to a stanger, but I assure you the gentlemen of this forum are top notch. I had my great-great grandfather's razor restored by a member and couldn't be happier with his service and communication.

Get it sorted. I just wish I had my ancestors razor/s.


Mick

The scales will need to be replaced obviously but the blade looks to be in good shape and should be a darn fine shaver once it's cleaned up a bit.
Definitely a candidate for restoration especially since it's an heirloom.

+1 to the comments about sending it to a Pro.

I received two of my Grandfathers Straight Raors this year and promptly shipped them off to one of our members to be restored. I did not want to risk making them any worse.

It is so rare that any of us get the chance to be "the current custodian" of such an important link to our family and our past. For me it is an honor to help get this link back in top working order and using it as my Grandfather did.

Congratulations....

Here's what Glen (GSSIXGUN) did for my great grandfather's W&B! The scales were De-laminating so I had him make custom scales! He had offered to put the blade back in vintage scales but I decided to just go for it! Man was I pleased!:bow

http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...ered-horn.html

Send that heirloom to a trusted restorer, You Will Not Regret It! :tu

That's a nice blade and looks like it should come up beautifully. If only some one would give me a w&b in that condition I'd be very happy.

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.

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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.

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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!:tu

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Quote:

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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.

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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.

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Originally Posted by pixelfixed

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

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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!

Quote:

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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.

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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