Help choosing razor

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04-21-2009, 07:13 PM
iakov

Help choosing razor

Hello friends!

I just got back from visiting two local antique places and brought back bunch of pictures in hopes you can help me to choose a razor to start my addiction with
I won't be terribly upset if none of these razors are worth purchasing, just tell me. There will be lots of pics, so please be patient. Unfortunately, only 7 pictures are allowed to be posted so I'm providing links to galleries.

Razor #1:
Link

Razor #2:
Link

Razor #3:
Link

Razor #4:
Link

Razor #5:
Link

Razor #6:
Link

Razor #7:
Link

Razor #8:
Link

Razor #9:
Link

Razor #10:
Link

That's all I got for now. Thanx.
04-21-2009, 07:19 PM
xman

Numbers 1,4 ,6 7, 8 and 10 are known excellent brands of straight razor. I wouldn't be surprised to discover that the others are good shavers too.

X
04-21-2009, 07:26 PM
iakov

Xman, I only need one :)
I'm planning to restore razor as well as hone it. Would all the razors you mentioned be restorable to a decent shape?
04-21-2009, 07:34 PM
gregs656

I quite like 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7.

Out of interest, which one do you like the look of most?
04-21-2009, 07:41 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregs656

I quite like 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7.

Out of interest, which one do you like the look of most?

It's hard to say, I like the look of most of them, these are the only razors I ever saw in real life, they sure don't look like beauties you see here sometimes, but I'm concentrating on a practical side of thing, not collecting right now.
04-21-2009, 07:50 PM
gregs656

Quote:

Originally Posted by iakov

It's hard to say, I like the look of most of them, these are the only razors I ever saw in real life, they sure don't look like beauties you see here sometimes, but I'm concentrating on a practical side of thing, not collecting right now.

sure they do, they just need a bit of polish and to be photographed properly and quite a few of those would get admiring looks. I actually think numbers 3 and 7 are my favorites, leaning towards the latter.

Bokers are well known and reputable, and that Sheffield blade with the ivory scales is a looker as well.
04-21-2009, 07:55 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregs656

sure they do, they just need a bit of polish and to be photographed properly and quite a few of those would get admiring looks. I actually think numbers 3 and 7 are my favorites, leaning towards the latter.

Bokers are well known and reputable, and that Sheffield blade with the ivory scales is a looker as well.

I'm concerned about 3 as it has few chips as seen on the photo and 7 needs new scales, but its blade is ok. Should I be concerned about hone wear at all?
04-21-2009, 08:03 PM
gregs656

Quote:

Originally Posted by iakov

I'm concerned about 3 as it has few chips as seen on the photo and 7 needs new scales, but its blade is ok. Should I be concerned about hone wear at all?

It's safe to assume all of these razors are going to need honing, so unless someone says otherwise I wouldn't worry too much about those chips? I didn't notice the odd scales, that's a shame. I do like it though. You should worry about hone wear, but I am not the man to explain that. All I could offer is you don't want unevenness on the spine or blade - causing a taper or a frown for example

Have you considered buying a razor from the classifieds - it does make things a little less complicated!
04-21-2009, 08:07 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregs656

Have you considered buying a razor from the classifieds - it does make things a little less complicated!

Yes I have, I actually just placed WTB or trade ad there.
My initial feeling about purchasing an old razor was that I could personally restore it and be proud of my accomplishment however long it took, but I guess finding right razor to do that is another obstacle I didn't account for.
04-21-2009, 08:11 PM
0livia

Take the Henckels :D
04-21-2009, 08:12 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0livia

Take the Henckels :D

Is it worth rescaling it?
04-21-2009, 08:20 PM
0livia

Sure! Those shoulderless blades from Henckels are worth any effort.
It hardly has hone wear. So .. :tu
04-21-2009, 08:23 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by 0livia

Sure! Those shoulderless blades from Henckels are worth any effort.
It hardly has hone wear. So .. :tu

Thank you, I'll keep that as one of my options.
04-21-2009, 08:41 PM
Del1r1um

Yeah... 7 is what I'd go with... love my henckels
04-21-2009, 08:43 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

Yeah... 7 is what I'd go with... love my henckels

Thanks guys, please keep suggestions coming.
04-21-2009, 09:36 PM
StraightRazorDave

I made a few choices in the poll...as there are quite a few nice razors that you'd be very happy with if you got. I like #1 the best, nothing like a good Boker ;). The scales seem to be in nice shape too, and the blade only needs a little polish. There are other great brands in the mix too, so you'd be happy with withever you'd get.
04-21-2009, 10:07 PM
dward

If this is your first straight razor may I make a few recommendations? Everyone here will give you their thoughts on those razors. But, I think you should aim for a shave ready razor first. All of those will require at least some sort of work. Peruse the classifieds for something like a 5/8 or 6/8 round point that is shave ready. Many of our members have started on a square point so you can learn from one of those. But a round point can be a little more forgiving in the beginning. Learn how to use a straight razor first before starting to tackle razor projects. Find out what type of razor fits your needs first, then get one. Other sources for your first razor are Kenrup (a member here), SRD or some of our other great vendors. :gl:
04-21-2009, 10:16 PM
xman

If it were me, I'd offer him $200 for the lot! I strongly suspect that all of those blades have merit and could be great shavers, especially the ones I list. Honestly, get as many as you can at that price and quality. You'll learn how to restore and establish a bevel and a shaving edge, sell the ones you don't want in your rotation and have a blast at it.

X
04-21-2009, 10:28 PM
RayG

Number 7 is my choice as well.
04-21-2009, 10:39 PM
Casey302

It's hard to beat a good Boker, but if I could only have one, I'd take the Henckels.
04-21-2009, 10:55 PM
iakov

Guys, many thanks for all the wonderful advice.
I think I'm leaning towards #7, judging that majority of you seem to think that blade shape is more important then scales and honestly I think it is best blade in the bunch.
I can always replace scales on the cheap.
04-21-2009, 10:56 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by xman

If it were me, I'd offer him $200 for the lot! I strongly suspect that all of those blades have merit and could be great shavers, especially the ones I list. Honestly, get as many as you can at that price and quality. You'll learn how to restore and establish a bevel and a shaving edge, sell the ones you don't want in your rotation and have a blast at it.

X

Unfortunately it's not from same store, it's from several different stores.
04-21-2009, 11:08 PM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by dward

If this is your first straight razor may I make a few recommendations? Everyone here will give you their thoughts on those razors. But, I think you should aim for a shave ready razor first. All of those will require at least some sort of work. Peruse the classifieds for something like a 5/8 or 6/8 round point that is shave ready. Many of our members have started on a square point so you can learn from one of those. But a round point can be a little more forgiving in the beginning. Learn how to use a straight razor first before starting to tackle razor projects. Find out what type of razor fits your needs first, then get one. Other sources for your first razor are Kenrup (a member here), SRD or some of our other great vendors. :gl:

Thank you for great advice. Depending what I get from my wanted ad I will make final decision. I guess I'm so thrilled about turning old beat up razor into something shiny and great. Of course I have no idea if it will turn out the way I envision it, but something inside me wants to go that route, obviously not the easiest one. There's something about that challenge that I really like.
04-21-2009, 11:13 PM
0livia

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casey302

It's hard to beat a good Boker, but if I could only have one, I'd take the Henckels.

My thoughts exactly.
04-22-2009, 01:23 AM
paco

razor [poll

If you do not buy number 7 would you mind purchasing for me? If so PM me. Thanks;)
04-22-2009, 01:26 AM
Del1r1um

Quote:

Originally Posted by xman

If it were me, I'd offer him $200 for the lot! I strongly suspect that all of those blades have merit and could be great shavers, especially the ones I list. Honestly, get as many as you can at that price and quality. You'll learn how to restore and establish a bevel and a shaving edge, sell the ones you don't want in your rotation and have a blast at it.

X

no joke... I'd have bought them out from under you if I knew where they were being sold... I know, pretty cold blooded :cool:
04-22-2009, 01:34 AM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by paco

If you do not buy number 7 would you mind purchasing for me? If so PM me. Thanks;)

I will. No question.
04-22-2009, 01:35 AM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

no joke... I'd have bought them out from under you if I knew where they were being sold... I know, pretty cold blooded :cool:

You seriously think that they worth more then selling price once restored?
04-22-2009, 01:38 AM
Del1r1um

Quote:

Originally Posted by iakov

You seriously think that they worth more then selling price once restored?

there is no doubt in my mind ... if restored well... no doubt
04-22-2009, 03:37 AM
iakov

Quote:

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

there is no doubt in my mind ... if restored well... no doubt

Well, this would be really interesting for me as I enjoy this sort of work. What sort of profit would you think I could expect say from Razor #1? Or #7 with new scales? I'm just trying to gauge if it's worth my time and effort to do more than just the one for myself.
04-22-2009, 03:55 AM
Del1r1um

Well, you aren't going to get rich.. I am sending a more detailed pm to you in order to answer some questions without posting and reposting. Basically I'd suggest only going down the resto road if it's for fun. It takes a lot of time, and there is a big learning curve... but it is a LOT of fun.
04-22-2009, 12:49 PM
The Blacksmith

#7, the Henkels is the one!
04-22-2009, 08:36 PM
alex2363

Quote:

Originally Posted by iakov

Hello friends!

I just got back from visiting two local antique places and brought back bunch of pictures in hopes you can help me to choose a razor to start my addiction with
I won't be terribly upset if none of these razors are worth purchasing, just tell me. There will be lots of pics, so please be patient. Unfortunately, only 7 pictures are allowed to be posted so I'm providing links to galleries.

Razor #1:
Link

Razor #2:
Link

Razor #3:
Link

Razor #4:
Link

Razor #5:
Link

Razor #6:
Link

Razor #7:
Link

Razor #8:
Link

Razor #9:
Link

Razor #10:
Link

That's all I got for now. Thanx.

wow all ten, what country is that
06-08-2009, 02:26 AM
iakov

Update

Hello again.
It took me a while but I have restored Henckels and Boker blades to the best of my abilities and purchased some bloodwood to make scales.
While I have brass rod (it was easy to find in town) I'm having difficulty finding brass washers #0 wide.
I know I can buy them in packages of 100, but I hardly need that many at this time and was wondering if someone can drop enough to make 2 scales into envelope and send it to me (I guess that would be 8 in total). I will Paypal expenses of course.
Thank you.
06-08-2009, 03:27 AM
khaos

Good call buying both of them. I would also get the sheffield with ivory tang.

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