Thread: new to the game!

I recently received my first straight razor, a vintage WR Case & Sons razor for about $45 and I have questions.
First of all does anyone know whether or not this razor is any good? It came along with a shabby old box and an original certificate which says it was made in 1916 and that it is razor #184 (which matches the stamp on the tang)
Second, do i need to hone it? It seems bloody sharp, although I havent yet used it since I havent acquired a strope yet. The guy it was bought from on Ebay had practically no description, but the overall razor seems in pretty good condition. If I do need to hone it, (which I probably do) does anyone know of a place in Northern Virginia where I could have this done since I would rather not mess around with a stone and end up damaging the blade.
Also does anyone know what the handle could be made of? It seems like some kind of plastic.
Thanks!

Welcome to SRP. W.R. Case & Sons made a fine razor and yours looks to be in good shape. The handle , that we usually refer to as 'scales' are made of celluloid. It may feel sharp but it is doubtful that it is 'shave ready'. In the SRP classifieds you will find 'member services' here with various members offering honing and restoration.

Check out the SRP Wiki Beginner's Guide here which will get you off on the right foot. I am sure there are members in Northern VA but I don't know just who or whether any offer honing services. If you have questions don't hesitate to ask as many members are willing to help out.

Your blade looks nice !!!.... maybe it would be a good idea to verify it's sharpness using the tests that are documented in the wiki here first before sending it to the honemeister. I did that myself, specially because there are not a lot of honemeisters down here in Mexico... I am working my way to become one

Nice looking razor you have there.

Thanks! I'll check out the wiki page.
-Johnny