Thread: Inherited grandfathers razor/accesories...

Some how about a week ago I got interested in shaving with a straight razor, more so getting a straight razor shave. Once I began researching the subject I came across several sites, including this one.

Realized how nice and expensive a lot of this stuff can be so I quizzed my mom about her dads old stuff. SCORE!!! Just picked up last night a J R Torrey "156 The Barber" straight razor, an old mug that still had soap in it and the old brush that went with it. That was what I was after, something used that also had a ton of sentimental value to it, glad my mom kept that for all these years, now need to hit up my other grandfather for his old stuff if he still has it...

Anyone tell me more about the razor cause all I know is what I can read off of the blade itself. I know it needs stropped and possibly honed. I have neither a strop or hone. I would like to have someone go through the razor and restore it. About how much does that run?

Tried to find someone in the Grady County area of Oklahoma to do a straight razor shave on me to see if I would even like it but no luck thus far.

I would like to eventually get everything new if I really like it as apposed to breaking the mug and such things like that.

Any suggestions as far as soaps and such for a guy who gets razor burn easy? I am only 26 years old so go easy on me for not getting into this sooner. Always wanted to but everything is finally coming together all at once now.

Originally Posted by PWillis

Some how about a week ago I got interested in shaving with a straight razor, more so getting a straight razor shave. Once I began researching the subject I came across several sites, including this one.

Realized how nice and expensive a lot of this stuff can be so I quizzed my mom about her dads old stuff. SCORE!!! Just picked up last night a J R Torrey "156 The Barber" straight razor, an old mug that still had soap in it and the old brush that went with it. That was what I was after, something used that also had a ton of sentimental value to it, glad my mom kept that for all these years, now need to hit up my other grandfather for his old stuff if he still has it...

Anyone tell me more about the razor cause all I know is what I can read off of the blade itself. I know it needs stropped and possibly honed. I have neither a strop or hone. I would like to have someone go through the razor and restore it. About how much does that run?

Tried to find someone in the Grady County area of Oklahoma to do a straight razor shave on me to see if I would even like it but no luck thus far.

I would like to eventually get everything new if I really like it as apposed to breaking the mug and such things like that.

Any suggestions as far as soaps and such for a guy who gets razor burn easy? I am only 26 years old so go easy on me for not getting into this sooner. Always wanted to but everything is finally coming together all at once now.

Welcome to SRP!

Well unless the razor was used recently, I'd say it most definitely needs to be honed to be sharp. Stropping is done between shaves to help keep the edge keen longer, and if you're going to use this razor then you should look into getting one. RupRazor.com has a $20 strop which is great for starting out -- link here.

Check out the member services area for people who do restoration. Send a few PMs and make sure you note that it's an heirloom blade. Some restorers do not work on heirlooms; I can tell you that both Glen and Max will accept it and do a phenomenal job.

Could you post an image of the razor and brush? The restorers could give you a ballpark through PM. If the scales (handles) and blade are in good shape then I'd say that restoration would be affordable.

Torreys are great razors. There's a whole razor club for them with lots of pics of various models here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...rrey-team.html

Hope that helps and good luck!

EDIT: Some great references are the various stickies in these forums and the extensive Wiki which covers everything from equipment (even on a budget) to shaving and restoration techniques.

Wish I could post pics. Dont have a digital camera. Could text someone a pic of them and have them post them. The only time I am on the computer now is at work. Do not have a computer or internet at home.

Razor is in good shape, scales too.

Welcome to the SRP PWillis

I'm envious of your find, To my knowledge, neither of my grandfather's used str8 razors. Best to read up on the newbie guides on the wiki and you'll find alot of support here.

I'm after my first razor myself, but as you know it can be expensive. I've been using disposables to cut back on expenses tward it.

I've been informed that a Filly is the best starter strope I've found. and decided thats what I'm ordering. Kenrup makes them and sells them on his website.

Best of luck to you.

Telerian3

Welcome to SRP. Chances are it will need to be honed. Sending it out to a honemeister for that would be the way to go. If it is in good shape restoration probably isn't an issue. Follow that SRP Wiki link that commiecat posted and check out the beginner's guide. A lot of good info in there.

Yeah, I have been reading on this stuff for the last 3 days non stop and have checked out the wiki section too.

Anyone noticed this too?

Due to the economy the stuff we should get back into or keep doing is a dieing art?? Like keeping and maintaining gardens, canning your food from the garden, straight razor shaving, maintaining your own vehicle.

I mean holy crap, what are we going to do when it really does hit the fan or the bottom really falls out? Serious depression? I know enough to get me by and had my first garden last year and plan on another this year.

I would give anything if my moms grandfather was still around so I could learn all this from. Everything I listed he done hardcore all the way. I used to work at a large Chevy dealer and so I know how to work on cars but the gardening and such, the information those grandparents had was invaluable. They both passed away when I was 5.

Anyhow, thanks for all the replies guys...

Originally Posted by PWillis

Due to the economy the stuff we should get back into or keep doing is a dieing art?? Like keeping and maintaining gardens, canning your food from the garden, straight razor shaving, maintaining your own vehicle.

I mean holy crap, what are we going to do when it really does hit the fan or the bottom really falls out? Serious depression? I know enough to get me by and had my first garden last year and plan on another this year.

Gardens aren't hard, just labor intensive, as I'm sure you found out. Canning has changed since just my parents day, let alone my grandparents. More safe now. We have been eating my canned beans, tomatoes, sauce, and blackberry jam. My wife bakes sourdough bread. It all tastes great, better for you also.