Newbie has a few questions

I got tired of spending the money on cartridges for my razor so I was considering switching to a straight razor. My dad used to use one so I have a general idea of what I need and already have most of it since he switched to a electric razor. I was at a local antique store and saw a few razors so I figured why not and bought one. It says Genco Master Barber Geneva NY USA on it. I was wondering some simple things like when it was made, if its any good, and if it was worth $18. Also the handles smell pretty bad. Is there any way to fix that? It smells like egg shells.

That looks like a great find! it seems to be in great condition, i would just wash it with some hot soap and water, then disinfect it , and send it off to be honed. Genco are great shavers i have about 3 and love each one!

That smell is celluloid rot...It'll rot that nice blade too, if it hasn't already. The only thing that can be done is to remove and discard the scales and then hone it up for a shave.

Alright thanks for your help guys. I think I will buy a cheap disposable for now and make some handles for it before I have it honed. Should be fun :hmmm:

I can't see the edge of the razor on these pictures and that's the most important part. Whether it's worth $18 only you can determine. To me it seems that it isn't given that you may have to change the scales, then send it out to be honed. For less money you can buy one that's already good to go and you don't have to wonder whether at the end of the day it will shave or not (genco generally do).