Thread: Beginning razors

Hey all,

I know from the few days I've spent in the forums that ebay has somewhat of a reputation... But... Being a beginner on a very small budget I decided to purchase some antique razors. They look to be in good shape by the pictures (although they haven't arrived). I already have lots of shave supplies because I've been using a DE safety razor (correct me if i'm misusing that term). I'm wondering where to go from here. Also I'd like to catch impressions on these razors. If I don't use them for shaving I at least have some new collectors items. The first is a Genco Goldseal and the second is a Cento A1. It seems hard to find info on these older items but maybe someone here can tell me a little more about these razors and their potential history. I am interested in a restoration of these and possibly using either of them but I'm not sure where to start. What are some good cleaning techniques or materials to first get these blades ready?


Thanks!

welcome to srp,

it really depends on the condition of your razors. the problem with your approach is that new people don't relly know how to evaluate a razor, just like the vast majority of ebay selers. 'Collectibles' are fine, but if you end up with razors that cannot be used for shaving the proper word is actually trash. Very very few razors have 'collectible' value when they've lost their shaving ability and those brands don't sound like that.

That being said, hopefully you got lucky. Take a look at the restoration section of the forum, as well as the wiki. What you need is metal polish, sandpaper of various grits and a good amount of elbow grease. It all depends where your razor is and how good you want it to look.
Then you'll need to send the razor(s) for honing, and you're ready for the shaving experience.

Hi and welcome.

For cleaning up and restoring your razors look in the Workshop forum here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...tml#post179030

Once you have polished them up, tightened the pins, buffed the scales, etc.. to your satisfaction they will need to be honed. This ussually (for a newbie) means sending them out to a honemiester. You can find a honemiester in the classified section here: Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

You mentioned you were "a beginner on a very small budget", however from your post I was not sure if this meant beginner collector, or if you want to shave with them.

If shaving with them is the priority, I would say you will find it is cheaper and quicker to buy a shave ready workhorse razor from the classifieds. By the time you buy the materials for restoration, and pay to have them honed, shipping as required, along with the original cost of the razors, it is usually cheaper and quicker to get a shave ready starter razor from the classifieds. You can pick one up for 35.00 most times. They may not be "lookers" but they shave fine, and often look better or as good as what you would end up with the other route.

Ask me how I know!

If you are itching to try a straight, look in the Classifieds for a shave ready razor. They start at 33 dollars.

I am in the middle of my first restore job. I have been working on it few almost 2 months now. Handsanding takes a very long time if done correctly. The sandpaper alone ran me around 30 dollars from ebay. Honing will cost me 20, and probably another 25 for polishing compounds, felt wheels, and pins. When you first start out restoring, the materials and tools can be expensive. If you are on a really tight budget its probably cheaper just to go ahead and buy a shave ready razor from the classifieds. You can get an almost fully restored one for 60-80.

If I can offer up some more info, I am generally interested in the whole experience of the straight razor and it's nostalgia. What I mean to say is that I know I could spend almost the same or less money and start shaving almost right away but I like the idea of a project and spending time and energy on this SR. I've gathered that I will most likely send these off to be honed but that price is worth the history of an older razor. I'm curious about doing a SR shave but right now my DE does a great job and the SR is more of a hobby. I'm sure I'll be addicted and spend some good money on a brand new razor in the future. Everyone's advice is helpful. Thanks!

As a relative newbie here I must chime in as I just finished a complete restore on a Clauss. My recommendation would be to get a shave ready razor FIRST. This does two things:

1. You start learning how to shave with a straight AND learn how to strop one. You find out what a real shave ready razor should feel like so you have a point of reference when you start restoring and honing one to shave ready.

2. When you finish honing, ya gotta strop that puppy, if you don't know how, well then, where are you?

Start shaving with a straight, learn how it should feel. Yourlearning how to strop while you are shaving (I actually practiced stropping first on a practice strop before I got my shave ready razor, and was glad I did!)

My $.02