Quote Originally Posted by blackonblack View Post
Ahhhh of course. I didn't know the handle was critical. I thought it was used exclusively to protect the blade and other items FROM the blade. From the videos i've seen the "handle" wasn't used while shaving. I failed to realize it may be used for stroping or honing (things I know little about) However I was able to get the idea of a hone with some success without using the handles.
The scales also provide balance when using the razor. So while we don't hold the scales, they do have a use when shaving. Check out some of Glen's (gssixgun) restorations in the gallery and you'll see a few where he takes photos of the razor's balance like this:


I'd agree with everyone else on your blade. Clean it up and send it out to be honed (or send it out for a full restoration). Even if you want to hone yourself, it's good to send one out to give you a basis for comparison. The razor itself is most likely carbon steel and the handles look like bone to me, but I don't know much about identifying materials. Also, boxes contain mismatched razors quite often so I'd label it as whatever the razor says and not the box (although you could have a matching pair). HTH!