Originally Posted by
cudarunner
Welcome to the most friendly, helpful and informative site on the web!!
You will find members here of all different backgrounds, ages and occupations from all corners of the world and all with a quest for more knowledge about using and maintaining a straight razor!
With all that said, you will find that 99.9% of Everything about straight razors is 'Personal Preference'!
I usually don't recommend a 4/8 especially a square point for a beginner but if it is a Near Wedge it may be more forgiving.
From what I've seen what you have purchased 'should' be a serviceable razor. A simple 'clean up' will take care of 'some' of the discoloration but unless you want to spend some big $'s I'd just clean it up some and hone it.
As previously mentioned more detailed photos would help. However I'll go out on a limb and offer to 'try' to clean it up and hone it for you for just shipping from and back to you.
If I can't pull it off, I'll recommend a more experienced honer and send it to them at my expense. You would be responsible for the honing cost + shipping back to you.
If you need references, I will gladly provide them
Again, Welcome! It's a long strange trip but it's well worth the journey!:tu