Finally getting there and could use some advice

I converted to DE and badger brush shaving several years ago and have always wanted to try out the next step-straight razor shaving. A while back I ended up getting two old razors that seemed in decent shape. I took the scales off one, as I thought they looked a bit odd and plan to make new ones for it. I cleaned both up in my brass tumbler which did a decent job of cleaning up the main gunk on the blades. I kind of like the look of them, so I don't plan to shine them up any more than they currently are. I make knives and was considering getting various stones to try honing myself, but I think I've talked myself out of that. These are a really different animal than "regular" knives and the accompanying cost of all the stones is a bit steep if I don't use them frequently... So, the plan is to look up someone on here and send them out to get properly up to shaving sharp. I was hoping the kind folks here would be good enough to take a look at what I have and give some opinions? Also, I have a question or two on strops...but I'll address that below... Here are the razors:


Before any cleanup
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...Razors/056.jpg

And after
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...psb2ll8j6x.jpg

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...psmbfksoeh.jpg

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...psah9natry.jpg

You can see the top end of the spine here (sort of...) is ground at an odd angle. I'm assuming that wasn't from the factory and that someone did that later...?
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...pswndtyhm5.jpg


Here's the other one. I can't remember the name and it's pretty worn on the tang. I think it might have been a Wolstenholm & Sons?

Before
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...Razors/064.jpg


After
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...psbergpllc.jpg

http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...psssx8t2j0.jpg

The pivot pin hole is definitely no longer round...
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...pskqg5djgu.jpg

Another shot with slightly different shadow/light to see the writing
http://i959.photobucket.com/albums/a...psky8kxmwb.jpg


Anything anyone has in regards to these razors, good or bad, would be much appreciated.

As for strops, I find myself a little lost. I've read different stuff and am a little confused as to using a paste on the linen or not-it seems different folks have differing opinions. I do know I'd like to get a hanging strop-I can't seem to figure out a comfortable way to use a paddle strop. There are so many different sizes/styles that it frankly gets a little confusing. Is a $100 one automatically better than a $40 one? I'm not into buying the cheapest thing just to turn around and be annoyed that it just barely cuts the mustard. But, I don't necessarily have big money sitting around to spend on the most expensive one around.

Thanks in advance for any help you can provide.



Jeremy

One of the best Honemeisters is right in your very state.

Wow didn't know a tumbler can clean a straight razor. Cattaragus razor has very nice scales btw. Is it plastic?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ferroburak

Wow didn't know a tumbler can clean a straight razor. Cattaragus razor has very nice scales btw. Is it plastic?

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That's a great question on the scales....frankly, I have no idea what material they are. Guessing they're plastic...? And yes, the tumbler really did a decent job. I'd seen someone mention it somewhere and decided to give it a whirl. Even did a nice job on the one with scales, just had to get some little bits of media out from between the scales and was good to go.

Pixelfixed-I remember a while back noticing someone honed/restored razors from I think somewhere in north Idaho. He may be just the guy to send these to for honing :).


Jeremy

Calling Gssixgun! Reach out through PM. Depending on where you are he may be very close, or not. His website: Welcome GemStar Customs - Gem Star Customs

Quote:

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Originally Posted by pixelfixed

One of the best Honemeisters is right in your very state.

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Very nice razors should clean up to be beautiful shavers

Nice job
love the grind on the cattaraugus

The grind on the Catteraugus is from the factory. Properly honed it should be a great shaver Very nice finds for sure!

Those are both good brands of razors and should be good shavers. You need a unpasted strop for daily use. Start with a cheaper strop or something with replacement parts as you will nick up your first one.

Ha Glen is a fan of Littlr Valley New York blades , as I am now that he honed mine, So he could fix you up ,, may need to do something about the pivot hole too. , tc

Thanks for the great help. I'll look him up when I get a set of scales put on and see about getting both honed up nicely. Will have to check around and find a strop that will do. Appreciate all the help.

Jeremy