Thread: Found this old vintage razor and wouldn't mind learning to use it.

So to make a long story short I was given this old straight razor. It's a "Jassiano Co" from what it says on the box. It says "Guaranteed and "Germany" on the box and I can't make out much else. Also what looks like a number "26". Blade says "Colonial Razor Germany". I'm not sure what the handle is made out of, my guess is some type of bone or something. It's not wood or plastic. It was broken in a few places so I did my best to glue it back together and my improvement are holding up. Anyways the blade looks to be in decent shape despite some rust/oxidation/water spots etc. The blade is sharp but not shave ready, doesn't seem to have any dings or nicks or anything.

I was also given a very old vintage water stone that I've been using for the past few days according to some instruction I found online and youtube and I've been able to get it a lot sharper but still not able to shave hairs. It glides effortlessly through paper but I can't get it much sharper. I'm not sure what grit the stone is... But either way the stone is pretty narrow and seemed to have been broken. It's about 3 inches wide and tapers to about one since so I doubt someone of my limited skill will be able to make it work to the point of using the razor. But I have gotten it sharper nonetheless.

Anyways if possible, I'd like to know a little more about the razor. Is it a decent razor to learn on? I've always been interested in straight razors but never really took the plunge... Fooling around with this thing sort of got me back in to willing to try it. But if I do i'd want something decent.

Either way if this IS a decent razor. I'd like to try and clean up the blade a little bit to make it look presentable. I was thinking maybe some metal polish or smething.

I was also thinking about having it professional honed (if it's worth doing).

What do you guys think?

Welcome to SRP! Get it honed by a pro, this will give you a benchmark as what you need to achieve. In the meantime, build a sufficient kit of the essentials, strop, soap and brush and do the homework regarding, stropping,beard preparation and technique. BTW you cant get the blade sharp if you keep dulling it on paper. I hope you truly enjoy SRP and straight razor shaving, it will be worth the time as well as the effort!

I have the "art of shaving kit" including one of their badger hair brushes and some of their sandalwood shaving cream. I currently don't have a very thick beard as I am only 23 and was late to shave. I shave every other night with a Gillette disposable 2 blade razor and I consider myself to have very dry sensitive skin.

Is straight razor shaving good for those with sensitive skin?

Originally Posted by blackonblack

Is straight razor shaving good for those with sensitive skin?

Sure, it is probably better than any other form of shaving for someone with sensitive skin. Welcome to SRP. Here is the SRP Wiki where you'll find the beginner's guide and tutorials on all things straight razor related.

If you could post a photo of your razor with the blade exposed we could better tell you if it is worth having it honed.

It beats the options, there may be some irritation/razor burn the first few times as the skin makes adjustment and as you develop your technique.

From what I can see of the blade it would clean up and hone up alright but if you're going to strop and shave with it you'll need new scales (handles) IMO. By the time you get done you might be as well off buying a shave ready razor from SRD or Ruprazor..... or the SRP classifieds.

What is wrong with the handles? I have repaired the bone-esque handles and they are holding up. I will snap a few more photos.

Originally Posted by blackonblack

What is wrong with the handles? I have repaired the bone-esque handles and they are holding up. I will snap a few more photos.

When the area around the pivot pin is damaged generally it won't hold the blade as tightly as it should. Makes stropping and honing far more difficult. If it will hold the blade snugly it might be alright.

Originally Posted by blackonblack

What is wrong with the handles? I have repaired the bone-esque handles and they are holding up. I will snap a few more photos.

You are missing a chunk around the pivot pin, if you have it be sure to join it to the rest of the razor, as Jimmy said this is critical, and if you do post more pics please show the entirety of the blade and handles both sides, thanks.