Thread: An older blade.

First of all I'd like to thank everyone for there good advice in response to my first question. I do however, have another question.

The razor I've inherited is an old one, it belonged to my grandfather when he ran a barber shop (actually for Montreal Canadians fans it was the razor that shaved "Toe" Blake on more then one occasion). Anyways, returning to my question. Is it possible for an old razor to loose it's ability to hold an edge?

Thank you

if it doesn't have rust or never heated up extreme temperature it shouldn't loose it is ability to hold the edge.Now holding edge depends on maker too.what company made steel used etc.hope this help

I agree with hi_bud_gl, as long as the razor isn't rusted to pieces or abused, I don't see why it wouldn't be able to hold an edge. Some of the best shavers are old razors, so there's no ageism here! Seeing as it is an old razor, it may take a bit more time to get it shave ready since it's probably quite dull now.

Dave

P.S. Would you happen to have any pictures/photos of the razors? Would be nice to see.

Thank you again, I will try to take some pictures today.

I was able to take some pictures.

That Ern razor should clean up fine and i have yet to find one of them that will not hold a wonderful edge. Ern is best known for their "Crown and Sword" line and "wald" was long ago annexed into Solingen.

There are only 2 reasons I can think of why a razor would not take an edge
1) the steel itself is worthless
2) the steel is good but the heat treatment was worthless
3) the steel was good, as was the heat treatment, but somehow the blade got overheated and lost its temper

1 and 2 are not an issue with the razor you showed.
and by the looks of it, 3 is not an issue either.

Rust, corrosion and rot only change the quality of the steel directly underneath it. Even if yours had that, it could be cleaned up without a problem.

Age does not affect the razor, other than that the edge oxidates over time so it will need rehoning.
Many of us here shave with razors that are 200 years old, and were badly rusted at one time or another. After restoration these razors are as good (or better) as new.

Originally Posted by douce52

First of all I'd like to thank everyone for there good advice in response to my first question. I do however, have another question.

The razor I've inherited is an old one, it belonged to my grandfather when he ran a barber shop (actually for Montreal Canadians fans it was the razor that shaved "Toe" Blake on more then one occasion). Anyways, returning to my question. Is it possible for an old razor to loose it's ability to hold an edge?

Thank you

It is awesome that your razor has such a cool history. You will think about it every time you shave with it.