Thread: Hello and Questions . . .

Gentlemen,

I have wanted to shave with a straight razor for a while and thanks to this forum and others I am on my way. This brings me to my questions:
I picked up this razor several years ago at a church sale. The hone a few years later. Do you think I can go ahead and use these items?

Assuming the razor is in good condition is it worth it to get it honed (by a pro?) as opposed to purchase a new one?

The box says Utica Knife and Razor Co.; on line I read where this dates it between '22-'35. On the tang it reads SSA Eskilstline (?) Sweden.

I have started with a disposable straight razor to begin to 'hone' my technique and not worry about sharpening or stropping at this time. It is going well but I am getting a bit of irritation and a few nicks.

I am sure once my technique improves so will the shave. As well the quality of the razor itself will improve the shave . . . I trust.

I am still finding my way around the site. Thanks for all your hard work. Look forward to any help I can get. All the best.

Its a quality razor and without seeing closeups of the edge, I would say its worth the trip to the hones.

The razor and box do not match. A Timex in a Rolex box is still a Timex. On the bright side, most of the Swedish razors have excellent steel. It is likely that your barber hone is in need of lapping before it's of much use for honing. Also, if you have done much reading about honing in the forum, then you will know that a barber hone is not very practical for honing a dull razor. Instead, they are useful for maintaining the sharpness of a sharp razor.

Since you're looking for all the help you can get...

I've been doing some free honing lately. If you'd like, I'll hone yours for free if you send me a PM. How's that for help?

Nice offer from Ron there as a welcome to SRP !!!!!

He'll have you up and shaving in no time....

I could be wrong (its been known to happen) but the blade appears to have been honed unevenly. There also appears to be little to no bevel. However the pic isnt a close-up so these may be wrong points. Either way, the razor is in FAR better condition than the box. And the two certainly do not match. Ron is making a fantastic offer- i'd snap it up if I were you.

The razor looks to have some slightly uneven hone wear but nothing a few extra laps won't cure. I would definitely send it to Ron and I'm sure he will make it shave smooth as butter for you.

You will need a strop though if you don't already have one. I wouldn't worry about honing until you have some more experience, you don't want to mess up your only blade. (to be read as " buy more blades so you can practice honing." )

Thanks so much everyone. I think I will take up that offer. As for the box and blade . . . I thought as much. That's what you get for 10$ Canadian in a Church at the top of Lake Superior.

It is a start.

I didn't know that about the hone. I do have a strop.

So much to learn yet so exciting!

As for getting more blades . . . . oh yes! The watch analogy was apt as I have about twelve of them.

Once again, thanks so much. I am sure I will have more questions.