Newbie with similar story. Had been talking to my wife about SR shaving for a while so she got me some gear for Xmas. When I explained the gift to my folks, my mom went and got her grandfather's razor which she had kept. It's a Novelty Cutlery, Co. blade and was in pretty good shape for having been stored for so long. I cleaned it up a bit at home and then sent it to GSSIXGUN to be really shined and honed.
I love using it now. Shortly after I got it back they had the themed SOTD thread, so I posted my pic there:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...e1826-sotd.jpg
The honemeisters might be a bit apprehensive about honing an heirloom so make sure you let them know the razor's background. I got my blade back from GSSIXGUN probably about 5 weeks ago and it still shaves like you wouldn't believe. He has my recommendation.