Need Some Help With My First Razor: Restorable? Hone? First Shave Recs?

Hi all,

My name's Darron. I've been lurking for a few months, but have not posted anything. I've always wanted a straight razor, but the cost has been prohibitive. This Christmas, though, my wife talked to her father about my obsession, and he gave me his grandfather's razor. Yep, I'm about to start shaving with my great-grandfather's razor, and I'm very excited.

Here are some pics:


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First, does anyone have information about the razor or company? The box says "The Hollinger Cutlery Company," and the blade says "The National Razor Company." I did some research, and I think the company was in operation for a couple of decades in the early 1900's, but I can't find any information about the quality of the steel.

Second, does anyone see any problems with the restoration of the blade? I see some discoloration in a few spots, and a tiny chip on one side, but I think with some honing, it won't be a problem.

Third, I live in central Indiana, in Winona Lake. Does anyone know of any trusted places local to me? I'd like to take the razor in to an expert, and have them look at it. I don't want to take this thing into a local chump, though.

Fourth, is there anything you all would do before you used this thing on your face? Maybe other than honing? I've read through most of the beginner sections of the forum, but I don't want to miss anything.

Fifth, is there any general advice any of you would give me? Would love to hear any/all.

I appreciate all of your help! Thanks for reading. I'm really excited to start!

~Darron

Looks like it's in great shape. You wouldn't have to do anything other than clean it up and hone, but I would that leave it to a professional like Glen or Max or whoever is closest to you. Check the list out here...Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Your razor was made by the National Razor Manufacturing Co., Lisbon Ohio. They were also manufactured in Fremont Ohio. Made from 1919 to 1923. The box is from Fremont Ohio but not sure if
hollinger was part of the same company. Nice razor. Good luck and enjoy.

Don't know much about your razor. I do have a Clauss razor that was also made in Fremont ohio and I absolutely love it. If my Clauss razor is any indication on other razors produced there then you have a great shaver.

That razor will clean up nice and be a fine first shaver. I agree with sending it out with one of the guys already suggested above. Just buy a strop and some soap and go to town with it. The only other thing I would suggest to all "newbies" is to always remember not to pressure the razor on your face and be diligent in stretching your skin as you make a pass with the razor. Most nicks and bleeders come from pressing the razor and lack of stretching.

Have fun and how cool that you are starting out with a razor that has history in your wife's family.

im new so my advice might not be worth much , but like was said before to properly use this heirloom , send it to one of the guys who do this and it will be in great shape for you to carry on the tradition. good luck tc

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Originally Posted by kwlfca

Looks like it's in great shape. You wouldn't have to do anything other than clean it up and hone, but I would that leave it to a professional like Glen or Max or whoever is closest to you. Check the list out here...Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

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Thanks for the tip! I didn't realize that the services page existed on the classifieds. Do you think it would be better to go for someone close, or whoever is best? Or is everyone qualified there? Thanks again!

Darron! Welcome!

Having an Heirloom to start off with is fantastic!!

You’ve already been given the history of the razor, but you also asked about ‘Restoration’!

Before sending it out for a Professional Hone, try using some well crumpled newspaper and some Mothers Mag Wheel Polish or some MASS on the blade.

Keep the blade flat on a firmly cushioned surface and rub in circles. The paper will turn black but keep at it! When the paper starts to finally wear out, use just plain crumpled newspaper and go up and down the blade until the paper is once again very worn. Then switch sides and repeat.

Once you’ve done both sides, put a drop or two of liquid dishwashing soap on the blade and wash it well. Then dry it and see your results!

Repeat the above with old T-shirt type material! Then once again wash the razor and Dry Very Well; I think that you will find your results well worth the effort!

I have a favorite Pro for honing and restoration he’s GSSIXGUN.

"Most nicks and bleeders come from pressing the razor and lack of stretching."

coachmike, thanks. I needed the reminder.

Cheers

Every honer has a comments section, please read the reviews.

Hi first of all welcome! I'm quite new myself but have some shaves under my belt. What has helped me tremendously is the SRP wiki http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwi...zor_Place_Wiki
And if there are any questions don't hesitate to ask the members. Good luck on cleaning your razor and enjoy :)

Hi and welcome. Good to see a razor get use for a second generation of a family. Check out the library for all the starter info and the basics of Sr shaving. Any questions feel free to ask. Ed

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Every honer has a comments section, please read the reviews.

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Nahh "Comments" are gone but the old feedback section is still there if anyone bothered to leave feed back in past years. It also seems disabled now.

If it were my razor given to me by family such as yours, I'd leave it alone except for honing. Like others here have said also, get yourself a nice strop and enjoy the ride. Be methodical on the strop, go slow and get the mussel memory down pat. Very little pressure, edge trailing, spine leading, go to the other end of the strop, stop, turn it with your fingers and return. Good stropping is a must. When you use it on your face go slow, prepare your beard well, use light pressure, stretch the skin and do what you can as you can and it gets better with experience.

Yep, I'd want to enjoy grandpa's razor as is. But, that's me.

Well done. Good luck.

Regards

Chasmo

there are videos on proper care for a straight razor on u tube. also there is lots of videos on how to use the razor. the men in the videos are very good at showing and explaining the use of the straight razor. go to the internet and type in Lynn Abrams straight razor videos. I believe from there you can not only watch and listen to him but also find many more videos of other members on wet shaving. good luck and welcome. GSSIXGUN has good videos on care and repair of straights. I'm still new here and there are so many knowledgeable members that not only can but are very willing to help.