Thread: New razor questions.

Hey guys!

I just joined this website and also bought my first real straight razor today (will post pictures down below). Since im just a rookie with razors, I would appreciate to get some of my questions answered by people that have more experience than I. First thing is first, J.A HELLBERG No 22, is the razor I bought.

My first question is: How do I know that the razor is at its finest? How can I know that it doesnt need edging(?), repair, get sharpened, etc..?
Second question: Is there any useful information about this razor? What year was it made? Etc..

Would really appreciate some guidance and answers Thank you!

Sincerely Victor

First of all, welcome, victorander, to SRP and the most fascinating journey you will ever take (it can become life consuming). To begin with, you have a Swedish steel razor. American, English, German, French, Swedish and Spanish are among the best (in no order of better to less better)steels available, especially in the vintage and antique razors. Eskilstuna was the Swedish center for great razor steel. J A Heliberg one of the better makers. PM Birnando in Norway. He's anSRP Moderator and very knowledgible. Also MrMagnus, I believe he is in Stockholm. Either or both can help fill in the rest and help you on the right way to learn straight razor shaving. BTW, that is a very handsome razor.

Welcome to SRP
that sure is a nice looking blade and appears to be in great condition
if the blade has not been noted as professionally honed & "Shave Ready" I would recomend you send it off to one of the lads in the classifieds that does honing to get it truely shave ready this will save any disapointments & your face
I am sure there is a few lads in the Sweden area that will be able to help you out, that will be along soon to comment hopefully
in the mean time have a search for truely shave ready meanings in the wiki etc on this site
enjoy the journey

Edit: as Razorfeld has noted he types quicker LOL

Many thanks, both Razorfeld and Substance. In my opinion the blade is very nice looking, but I cant be sure! Once again, thanks for the confirmation. Is there any brand that is worth buying/trying next? I feel like this thing about shaving with straight razors is very fun. Btw, this blade is a 5/8 right? If so, is this the easiest blade or can I try some different kind of blade?

Victor, I don't type faster, never learned how. But I am the quickest four finger typist I know. Seriously now, 5/8 is the best, most recommended size for beginners. Once you have mastered building a good lather, mapping your face, proper stropping and basic blade maintenance then look around at other sizes. Some prefer massively large sizes like 7/8, 8/8 and up. Some go no larger than 6/8 and some down to 3/8 (rare users) or 4/8. As you get to know other shavers in your area you might get a chance to try their different sizes before you make a major purchase.

You should have two razors of different sizes to start. One reason being if you have to send the first out for honing and the second for variety. That's one way of seeing what size you might like. Also, start to look at the different grinds. I shave with all the different grinds even tho my favorites are a full hollow and the other end, a full wedge. Each grind shaves different and I like the challenge each morning to see if I remember that razors characteristics and can I get the best from it that morning.

Brands are suggestive, as is a lot to do with straight razor shaving. Some collect only two or three brands and then only specific styles within that brand. I have about 38 razors at the present. All old or antique and mostly only one of a brand. But I am partial to C-MON's and have four of those and Genco's, three of those. The rest is pretty much one of a brand. Variety is my spice of shaving.

Do contact Birnando or MrMagnus, you can only benefit from the interchange. AND keep reading the wikis and watching the videos and intgeracting on the forum. We thrive on the questions.

Intgeracting should be interacting. Such is my typing.

That is a handsome razor and of high quality, so the only question is whether it is "shave ready" for your face. If you get in touch with Birnando or MrMagnus via the private message function available on the forum, they will undoubtedly be able to give you some regional advice. Welcome, and go slowly. There are many new skills to be mastered, all of which are fun adventures.

Again, welcome, explore the resources here and ask many questions as the need arises.

Hi and welcome. Man that is a beautiful looking razor. A great blade to start with. Good luck with your journey and any questions feel free to ask

Thanks for the replies! I took the razor to a honer(?) today and he said that the blade was never used (he examined the blade with googles). And it was in great quality so basically he just wanted to edge it up a little bit. I'll update you guys about the results and such, after I picked it up.

That is a beaut of of razor you have there.

Welcome to SRP !!

Gary

Nice. The J.A Hellberg razors is a quality piece from Eskilstuna. And was my first razor. My father gave it to me as a reminder of my great grandfather. A J.A Hellberg nr42. And is the reason i started shaving with straight razors

I would guess yours are made around 1930-1940's and it looks like its never been used pretty hard to tell on the pictures. A nice tradera find There is noway for us to tell you if its shave ready by normal pictures. It needs to be experianced. Who did you send it to for a honing?

Johan Alfred Hellberg born 1860 – 1941 died. One of the big Eskilstuna cuttlers..

Johan started his factory in 1891 and after his death in 1941 driven by the sons Valfrid and Nils til around 1961 when thay sold it. Johan started with razor making only. Many years later he also start making knives and was one of the first in Eskilstuna to make barrel knives.