Originally Posted by
sicboater
Hi and Welcome!
Question1:
It would help to see some photos of the blade and maybe you should visit the shop where your girlfriend picked it up and ask about it. Some blades are made in pakistan and then assembled in germany in order to exploit a loophole. Such razors are recognizable for their terrible shaves. As far as the metal type goes, stainless is not magnetic. Carbon is highly magnetic. Find a magnet, have fun!:p
Question2:
Is the razor pulling? Pulling instead of smooth shaving may be a sign that it needs to be sharpened. As for multiple passes, most members here do multiple passes: 1 with the grain (WTG), 1 across the grain (XTG) and 1 against the grain (ATG). Pulling and less than close shaves can also be: angle, beard prep, general technique etc. I would recommend getting a Double Edge razor blade and feeling it lightly with a moist thumb. Note how the blade seems to "stick" to your thumb pad and then feel your straight razor (after stropping) and see if it feels the same way. It should "stick" too. Ultimately the shave is the one true test.
Question3:
This question is almost impossible to answer without seeing the blade first hand. The answer I would give here is maybe. You can't hurt the blade by trying with proper technique. CrOx will only carry you so far and you will have to hone the blade again eventually. I would suggest that you find a honemiester in europe, get the blade properly honed so you will know what shave ready is supposed to feel like, then consider getting a touch up hone (like a yellow coticule) and learning to touch up the blade when needed.
Question4:
Sounds like water spots. A polishing paste such as flitz, maas, simichrome etc should do just fine if hand rubbed into the blade. Additionally, prevention might be in order here. Dry the blade thoroughly after each use and store it in a dry place (possibly even with a light coat of mineral or olive oil). I would hold off on the Dremel paste. It may be too aggressive. 0000 steel wool may be okay and folks have also used tinfoil that has been wadded up.
Hope this helps! I know that there is a french straight razor site too, but I am unsure of the URL/Name etc. It might be a good source for finding a honemiester local to you!
:gl:
-Rob