I just started looking into straight razor shaving, and found my first razor at the local goodwill. It was 15 dollars and seems to be pretty well maintained. It is a Louise by Kraut and Dohnal made in Germany (although I've learned Kraut and Dohnal is based in Chicago). The blade seems to be stainless steel.

As I said it was my first razor, and I didn't have much success with it. I stitched up a makeshift strop with some leather we had in the basement, and took a round piece of ceramic-like material (probably similar to arkansas in sharpening ability) to sharpen it with. I cleaned up the blade with some rubbing alcohol, and then tried to put an edge on it, but the razor still seems to pull at my whiskers.

Any opinions on Kraut and Dohnal, or more specifically with the Louise (if anyone is familiar with it)?

Then today I purchased another razor at a nearby antique shop for 20 dollars. This one is a little more substantial (5/8ths blade I believe as opposed to the smaller Kraut and Dohnal I purchased), with a heavier blade- I believe it is stainless as well. This one is by Mappin Webb and Company. I can still read the print on the blade:

Mappin Webb & Company
Sheffield
71&72 Corn*ill City
77&78 Oxford Street

I haven't tried shaving with it yet, but the blade does seem sharper than the Kraut and Dohnal just by feel. Any opinions on the Mappin Webb?

Should I have much trouble getting an edge on these razors? And anyone have any idea how much these might be worth is good condition? I don't plan on selling them, but from what I've read online these are decent razor companies.