Thread: Beginner looking for advice on a 'new' vintage buy

Hi to all at SRP!
After converting to wet shaving and using an SE for a while now I have decided to take the plunge and go straight, so to speak. I have found a very nice looking vintage 5/8 PUMA 222 for sale online, it appears to be in A1 restored condition with its original Bakelite case. The blade has PUMA Silber engraved on its face. It's not shave ready. The vendor is asking for 60 GBP, as somebody ignorant to buying these it seems a bargain when compared to new quality razors, but I have no idea what I'm looking at, can you guys help?

Welcome to SRP Tom. Puma make a great razor, but restored razors usually come shave ready. Things to look for are chips or cracks in the blade and heavy hone wear. Post some photos if you can, would help determine condition.

Welcome to the forum Tom. You will find some useful info in the forums library section. This may help answer some of your questions Purchasing straight razors - Straight Razor Place Library .

Photos of the razor would definitely help too.

Bob

+1 on Grazors comments above

Hi Grazor and thank's for the welcome. The vendor just states the blade requires honing, I'll try to get some photos on the thread when I can steal some time later today.

Thanks guys, I have read some good advice on buying old razors, not least Maggard razors comments on what not to restore etc. A minutes research does not an expert make however! I'll try to upload some pics later today but they may just be screenshots so quality might not be best.

Have you checked the classifieds here? Auction sites etc are a bit of a c**p shoot. Members on here are reliable as anything.

I would definitely recommend buying from one of the SRP classifieds. The razors are reasonably priced and typically shave ready

Welcome to an older but better way of shaving

It would be most helpful if you could post your location. There might be local help just down the street.

As pointed out pictures will help. If it does look like a keeper remember that it will need honed which will add to the initial cost. I highly recommend that it's sent to someone who knows what they are doing. Regardless of how many things someone knows how to make sharp honing a straight razor is entirely different than anything else they've worked with.

For example the bevel is typically set on a 1K hone and are finished at at least a 8K hone and up. Most knives won't hold an edge on either of those hones.

I worked as a meat cutter and i thought that honing a razor wouldn't be any problem at all guess what? Problem! It took me quite awhile to relearn what I needed to know to work on straight razors.

Last but certainly not least, you'll need a decent strop as it's a tool that you will need Every time before you shave.

Enjoy the Ride! It's a long strange trip, but it's well worth the trip!

Hi guys, as promised I attach some pictures for you to check out, I hope they provide some further information. I am based in Cumbria, England, so I am way away from most of you gents I expect!