Thread: Found this razor,what do you think?

Was looking in the antique mall today. Found an 1890's vintage str8, or so the tag said. Belonged to the husband of the seller, now diseased. The husband ,not the seller. Anyway this is a 6/8 Solingen with tortoise scales, I think. I don't recall the manufacturer's name but will look again tomorrow. The blade is in very good to excellent shape. With the naked eye I could not detect any flaws in the edge.I ran my nail along the side of the edge and did not feel any divits. It seems reasonably sharp. The scales have very minor scratches/marks which may rub out. Seems to be made of some plastic material, however I doubt that plastic was around in 1890. Tiny bit of discoloration at the heel pin area of the blade. No obvious rust that I could see. Sorry I didn't have my camera with me. At any rate the price is $35 firm. I am totally new to str8's. I have a double arrow6/8 from KenRupe and a Dovo 5/8 . I was just wondering if $35 is a ball park figure for a Blade as described with scales that aren't really exciting. The blade appears to be SS. Did they do that in 1890? I know that I will need stones, but they will be coming. Thanks for any help. Oh, my intention is to purchase,(maybe) as a shaver, not as an investment.

Mark

i would say go buy it but as you know price of the razor depends so many different ---scales ,steel.edge keeping etc etc. we would be able to give to you fair advise if we can see picture of it.i know you didn't have camera then go for it and pray you will be winner.

I'll say you should pick it up providing the hone wear is pretty even on both sides and not overly excessive.good luck and great shaves. Welcome to SRP.

Originally Posted by hi_bud_gl

i would say go buy it but as you know price of the razor depends so many different ---scales ,steel.edge keeping etc etc. we would be able to give to you fair advise if we can see picture of it.i know you didn't have camera then go for it and pray you will be winner.

Will try to get pics and more info. Thanks.

if the blade looks good buy it you can always replace the scales if you want to.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

I take it you meant the husband is now deceased and not diseased.

You've seen the razor so your in the best position to judge its worth to you. If it is in good condition as you say, then I would say buy it. Spend an extra $20-$25 and have it honed by someone experienced, so that your first shave will be an enjoyable one. Getting hones is not something you need to do immediately, IMO you should learn how to shave with a shave ready straight before learning to hone. Also you will have a bench mark to aim for when it comes to honing. A secondary razor would also be a great idea in case something happens to you primary straight.

Old School. Thank you for the reply. This brings to mind a question. I have read that it takes most men from 3 months to a year to become somewhat proficient at str8 shaving. Does this mean that you recommend not getting into honing until that time? Oh, the razor that I was asking about, after further exam under a glass, did have 2 divits in the blade edge. I decided to not purchase. I do have 2 shave ready blades to use and to use as comparison edges to those that I may buy that are not shave ready. How long would you say that it takes the average Str8 shaver to come to the place where they can make a razor shave ready?
Thanks for your help.

Mark

Let me give a point of referrence. Here in Washington, DC shavers are not sold in antique shops, they say that they can't make eough off them to make it worth their while, so I have to go online. A new one will run me approximatly $100 + honning costs. So you have a bargin if its in good condition.

.....they did not make SS razors in 1890.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

And what exactly do you describe 2 divots in the edge as? Was it pitting or like tiny dings? Coz I am thinking that if you couldn't see them until they were under a magnifying glass, then they may have easily honed out, thus giving you a very nice usable razor.

Just an occurring thought is all.

+1 If not easily detected with the naked eye they would be extremely easy to hone out!

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

And what exactly do you describe 2 divots in the edge as? Was it pitting or like tiny dings? Coz I am thinking that if you couldn't see them until they were under a magnifying glass, then they may have easily honed out, thus giving you a very nice usable razor.

Just an occurring thought is all.

Well at my age, my eye sight is not as good as an eagle. I thought that there might be a small chip out of the blade edge. When I looked thru the glass I saw 2 divots, or chips, as if the blade was saw toothed , or serrated,but only 2 little dings. Since I have never honed, I decided to take the advise of some of the members and wait for a blade that had a more perfect, if not sharp, edge. I actually found one the second day for $25. Under glass there are no irregularities in the edge. It needed cleaning and I spent about an hour last night cleaning and polishing the blade with MAAS. I have no idea who makes the razor cause there is nothing written on the blade or scales. The antique dealer thought that maybe it is a home made or at least a str8 put together with various parts. I will post pics when I get it a bit cleaner and presentable. It will be my first project and learning tool.