Thread: Looking for information about my straight razor

I recently purchased my first straight razor from a local consignment shop. I am hoping that someone could provide me with some information regarding this razor. I recently had it sharpened at a local knife sharpening shop that also sharpens razors. I tried stroping it but it still pulls quite a bit when I try to use it. I am wondering if this is because the razor is still dull or if its because I am a beginner. I appreciate any information that could be provided. The writing on the razor says worchester mass and ester razor co (although a letter may be scratched off in the beginning).

Welcome to the group. It is difficult for me to give you anything specific without seeing your razor. But I can point you to some helpful directions. There are two basic issues framed by your post.
One deals with your skill and the other with your equipment. So I'm suggesting that you reread the wiki on SRP. There is a lot of good information on those pages.
I will suggest that there is a high probability that your razor is not shave ready. Sharpening a straight razor is a much different process than sharpening a knife. Believe me on this if nothing else. Now assuming your razor is shave ready, when you shave lay the spine almost touching your skin as the blade cuts your whiskers. Give this a try, be patient and have fun. And Merry Christmas!

Your razor is still dull. I have yet to hear of local knife sharpening shop that actually knows how to properly sharpen razors. I would imagine that the person who is doing the sharpening doesn't shave with a straight razor.

Tom,
Thanks for your advice, I will attach a photo to the thread as soon as I can figure out how. My 1st attempts have failed

Originally Posted by Badgister

Your razor is still dull. I have yet to hear of local knife sharpening shop that actually knows how to properly sharpen razors. I would imagine that the person who is doing the sharpening doesn't shave with a straight razor.

Yes, I cringe when I hear that someone has had their razor sharpened at a local knife shop. It rarely if ever turns out well.

Bob

The company does sell straight razors, and they said that they sharpen them quite often. I guess thats why their sharpening fees were so much cheaper than what I see others charging... I am hoping to get more information on the razor itself to see if I am also dealing with a cheap quality razor as well.

Originally Posted by BobH

Yes, I cringe when I hear that someone has had their razor sharpened at a local knife shop. It rarely if ever turns out well.

Yup.

I always suggest two questions, in the following order, when bringing a straight razor to a "local" honing service.

1. Ask if the guy doing the sharpening SHAVES WITH a straight. If he says no, then say thank you, and turn around and leave. If he says yes, then ask him the second question.

2. Ask the guy if he uses any kind of powered equipment when he sharpens a straight razor. If he says no, then you can consider letting him hone your razor. Ideally you should ask him if you could watch him hone so that you can learn how to do it yourself. On the other hand, if he says yes, he does use powered equipment of any sort for honing straights, then you should slap him and turn around and leave.

Good advice, thanks

Sounds like the first part of : Worcester Razor Co. was scratched off leaving only the ester part of the stamp. Back in the day there were several razor manufacturers in Worcester, Ma.,my old home town.
A search here in the library and one on Google should provide you with results.
Good luck!

Pete <:-}

This is a photo of the Razor that I am trying to locate more information for.