Originally Posted by
TheMathematician
For some background I have never used a straight razor in my life, and I recently was talking with my father about straight razors and upon finding out about my interest he send me my late grandfather's in the mail. If I can get this razor back to it's old glory I would very much like to use it. It is an ERN square point and is stamped with the number 2305 (not sure if this is a model or serial number). The blade is in great condition for something from the 1940's and that has not been used in at least 23 years, it has a little patina but nothing serious. The blade is sharp, though is not able to split a hair that I pass perpendicular to the cutting edge. Though a soft brushing of the edge along my finger produces a nice singing sounds. I am wondering, how do I know if the blade is sharp enough to just need some work on a strop (coming to me in the mail shortly), or if it needs to get honed by some sort of expert? Any and all feedback is greatly appreciated.