Opinions on Razors

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.

Welcome to SRP.

Cannot comment on the Kraut and Dohnal, but Mappin & Webb are considered good razors. We have a few and some background information on the company in our database: Search results for "Mappin" - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

As a rule, we do not give price estimates on razors.

I would recommend that you take a look at our beginner's guide (links in signature) to get a better feel for what is feasible when it comes to honing. Quite frankly, I would send the razors out to be professionally honed. Several members offer honing services, availbable via our Classifieds.

Good luck, and keep us posted on your progress.

Regards,
Robin

I don't think stainless steel was invented back when Mappin & Webb were making razors . If your other razor is old , then I doubt it's stainless , either . Why do you think they are stainless ?

Good point Dave, I didn't think of that.

Not sure about the Mappin and Webb- I thought it might be carbon steel, but for the other straight razors I have seen that weren't stainless the finish on this one is excellent. It might just be a good find for all I know. I'm thinking of taking them to a barber to get an opinion.

The Kraut and Dohnal is actually in pretty good condition, but I'm sure it's newer than the Mappin and Webb. I couldn't really guess the age of either of the razors, and there isn't any indication on the razor itself. I thought that the Kraut and Dohnal was stainless just because of the way the steel looks. After I cleaned it up it took on that unpolished stainless steel cutlery look.

I'll look into getting them professionally honed. The Mappin and Webb has a much more substantial blade, but I don't think there is any reason the Kraut and Dohnal shouldn't be able to hold an edge unless it is a poor quality steel.

Thanks for the comments so far.

If you could post some pics it would help . I would guess the Mappin & Webb is at least 100 yrs old . I think it's best to assume that any vintage razor is not stainless unless you know for a fact that it is indeed stainless . I've bought some vintage razors that were (and still are) in excellent condition , that are high carbon steel . The steel used in razors is very high quality , and will not rust as long as it's kept clean and dry .

I looked up Kraut & Dohnal . They were based in Chicago Illinois from 1902 - 1937 . I would think your razor is high carbon steel .

Welcome to SRP. More often than not a Solingen made razor from that era is a good one. Condition will determine how good a shaver it will be once honed up. Mappin & Webb sold good stuff so you've got a good one there for sure.

As BeBerlin pointed out go to the SRP Wiki and you'll find all kinds of tutorials, videos, and the help files to get you off on the right foot with straight razors, shaving, maintenance and honing if you want to go there. :gl:

Welcome mate!

As several people pointed out, I think you should invest into professional honing, ie sending the blade out for someone who has equipment(expensive) and experience (extensive). I've been sharpening pointy things for a long time and honing razors still baffle me.

Also you should pay attention to beard preparation and the quality of your lather. These are also factor to a good shave.

Thanks for your quick replies everyone- I'll see if I can get a couple of pictures up- I'm sure that will help. Plus, who doesn't like showing off their vintage goods? =)

Sorry if the pictures are a little rough. Don't have a very good camera, and as I've found, razors are tough to take good pictures of. If more pictures would be helpful, just let me know.

+1 on the advice from the others, if your not experienced with honing i would recommend having one of the members here bring them to "shave ready"status, its important because during your SR shaving journey if you didnt have a truly shave ready blade from the start it's going to lead to questions about your technique,stropping,and maybe your own abilities to set a bevel on your blade that you wont be able to answerer because you didn't truly get the feel of a real "shave ready" razor.. Just my opinion.

shiny razors are very elusive when photographing. i get my best pictures on macro mode w/ natural light and no flash. both of those look like very good condition. definitely send them out. its so exciting when they come back!!!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MantyBlue

.... I thought that the Kraut and Dohnal was stainless just because of the way the steel looks. After I cleaned it up it took on that unpolished stainless steel cutlery look.

Thanks for the comments so far.

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Many high carbon steels (e.g. silver steel) will have a bright appearance if kept free of oxidation.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MantyBlue

Sorry if the pictures are a little rough. Don't have a very good camera, and as I've found, razors are tough to take good pictures of.

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Yes, they can be tricky. Incidentally, we have these two articles that might help: Photographing Razors - Straight Razor Place Wiki and Lightbox Instructional - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

Definitely send them out to get honed. It will take some time and some money, but you won't rip your face up this way. Just cut it instead.

The patience is the hard part. I have a straight on the way that was PIFed to me, and sadly I have to wait while I makes a pit stop along the way to be honed by a pro.

I think you really lucked out on that Mappin & Webb . Those scales look like they're REAL ivory ! Thanks for the pics :tu

No, both razors have plastic scales, but the Mappin and Webb is very nice- very fortunate to have found that one.

I actually found one more razor for the collection (a pearlduck by dubl duck), a koken horsehide strop and a strong set badger bristle brush at the same antique mall. Had to do some serious browsing, but I was surprised to see so many straight razors. I could easily put together a seven day collection, but I would like to get a good edge on my first couple razors before I go and do that. Between all those goodies and two books I found, I only spent 38 dollars- which beats any ebay deals I've seen.

The razor will probably be in need of restoration- the edge of the razor is covered in surface rust =(. I'm hoping once it's cleaned up that I can use it to shave with though- I really love the way the scales look on this one, but I'm not sure how bad the rust is. I'll put more photos up so you guys can take a look at everything.

And is it possible to clean a razor up with a dremel tool, some fine abrasive bits and a light touch without ruining it?