Thread: Excited, but need some advice...

I just purchased a new 7/8 Fredrick Reynolds, mottled bone handle straight razor on ebay...i like it! However, i was wondering if anyone knows what i can use to condition the handle...it is pretty old.
Also, curious what people think about the razor and its value. I paid $125...probably would have paid more, due to the fact that i like it so much. It is huge and will definately take some time before applying it to my face. Thanks.

Originally Posted by McWolf1969

However, i was wondering if anyone knows what i can use to condition the handle...it is pretty old.

Those scales are acutally tortoise and you can oil them a bit with neatsfoot oil

Originally Posted by AaronX

Those scales are acutally tortoise and you can oil them a bit with neatsfoot oil

I beg to differ my good friend. They are mottled horn.

Ok upfront, I don't have ANY experience working with bone, horn, or shell... but if I were to GUESS, I'd say mineral oil would be a decent conditioner

Again, thats just what I'd try, without any expertise.

I think Tortoise too and either way the Neatsfoot would work....


Blade looks to be in pretty good shape too

Scales and blade, that is a beautiful razor.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I think Tortoise too and either way the Neatsfoot would work....


Blade looks to be in pretty good shape too

I agree with the neatsfoot oil!

I am certain the Gods will smite me but I must disagree with "The Glen" as I have several mottled horn scaled razors and they look like yours. Like fake tortoise. If you sand one of the dark spots lightly it should remove the spot easily. With tortoise and celuloid made to look like tortoise the spots and blotches will be deep into the scales not just surface spots!


I will now find a rock to hide under so Thor will not find me!

Thanks, i'll try the stuff.
The seller thought it was mottled horn, thats what gave it the tortise shell look...? Appreciate the feedback.

Nice razor! I have a couple of similar F. Reynolds and they became good shavers after I learned how to hone a wedge. The scales on yours are mottled (dyed) horn. Genuine tortoise shell of that age turns extremely dark and has few light colored areas. (if anyone is interested let me know and I will post pics) Either neatsfoot or mineral oil and hand rubbing with a soft cloth will make your scales shine. Pipe cleaners work well inside the scales for cleaning. A very smooth and irritation free shave can be easily gotten with a quality 7/8 wedge like yours.

That's a great looking razor, enjoy her!