Thread: Not shiny

Hello. I decided to buy a razor in a antique store. I manage to remove the rust from it. And the blade looks like its in good condition. But its not very pretty. It dosent shine, and the metal has some darker part in it. Like Its dirty. But I can't wash it.

I guess I have to polish it ? how do I do that ?


also can i use a normal leather belt as a strop ?

Welcome to SRP first off...

What you are asking about can range from simple Metal Polish and a rag to some pretty serious restoration work with buffer and special compounds...

Start right here and browse the info we have compiled in the Workshop...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

There is more info in the Wiki too...

We have a special statement here on SRP you will see a ton of

"A pic would really help here"


As to the strop:

Heck you can strop on your hand in a pinch the leg of your jeans works a folded Newspaper works rather well and yes any ole piece of leather will do in a pinch but watch for the stitching on a belt,,, The surface you are using needs to be flat...

With all that being said I will tell you there is a HUGE difference in the keenness, when you use a proper strop...

Welcome to SRP. Just a heads up, it doesn't have to be pretty to shave you. Some guys don't mind a bit of tarnish left from cleaned up rust as long as it isn't pitting in and around the cutting edge. OTOH, you can also send it out to someone such as gssixgun or Max and have it looking like new for a nominal fee.

Am I safe in assuming this is your first straight razor?

thank you guys

yes it is my first razor. Yeah ill go read that workshop link you guys sent me

And I wish I could post a picture. But I have no camera.

If you are going to try to hone this yourself....

Go stock up on witch hazel, aftershave balm, maybe some aloe, neosporin, stypitic powder and turtle necks.

If you have rust/pitting on the bevel it may be that when you go to hone it the bevel will fall apart in those spots with deep pitting. OTOH, it may be fine. If I get a blade like that the first thing I do is hone to good steel checking with magnification as I go. It would be a shame to put a bunch of work into cleaning a blade that you'll not be able to get a bevel on.

Also if it is your first razor once you determine if it is worth the effort you really should send it out for pro honing or buy one that is shave ready. Makes a world of difference. Here is the SRP Wiki beginner's guide. If you haven't done so already give it a read.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

If you have rust/pitting on the bevel it may be that when you go to hone it the bevel will fall apart in those spots with deep pitting. OTOH, it may be fine. If I get a blade like that the first thing I do is hone to good steel checking with magnification as I go. It would be a shame to put a bunch of work into cleaning a blade that you'll not be able to get a bevel on.

Oh a HUGE +1 here, nothing is worse then to clean up a blade only to find swiss cheese edge.....

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

If you are going to try to hone this yourself....

Go stock up on witch hazel, aftershave balm, maybe some aloe, neosporin, stypitic powder and turtle necks.

hehe made me smile. Thanks for your help all

ok so as you guys said i honed it. Was my first time and it was fun. At first i was using 2 hand to keep the blade balance till i saw my tumb was covered in metal. Hehe

It took me the whole day ! and i think I am done with the 1000 and 6000 stone i had. But now it removes hair from my leg pretty easily

Now I don't have any paste, not sure what i should do. Maybe strop it after dinner and see if it shaves. What do you guys sugest?