Thread: Second-hand store

I was looking for DE razors in my local second-hand store when I came across this straight. Now, bear in mind I've never used a straight before, let alone bought one but I thought it looked okay for £12. Since getting home I've been doing some research but have been able to find nothing about it. All I know is what's obvious from looking at it. (A 5/8 if I'm not wrong?)

Here's where you guys come in. Is anyone able to tell me how old it is? Quality? Worth restoring? I ask because I've been wanting to start straight razor shaving for a while now.

Thanks for your help

I'd say definitely worth it and a good grab.

Nice buy. It says sheffield and Hollow ground, 2 good marks.
The only concern I would have is the rust at the cutting edge, but it doesn't look that large, could probably hone the pit underneath it away.
Now get some sandpaper and fix it up!

Oh oh... who let the riff raff back in here then?


That razor looks like she'd make a fine addition and shaver after a little clean up. Worth restoring? Yes indeed. All old sheffield steel is.

By the looks of it, from the photos it appears that the steel has seen little or no exposure to the hone over the years. This is a great thing. The scales look good too.

The rust should come away easily... looks to be surface mostly but get rid of it ASAP. Rub with some metal polish or even RP7 or something. This will cause no damage, halt the rust and hopefully allow you to see the extent of the damage under the rust.

If considering sending it out maybe send Stubear a PM. He is a mod here and based close to you (ie somewhere over there in 'Airstrip One'). He should have some good advice as to where to go.

As far as dating it I can't help you here but one of us will no doubt chime in soon.

Good to see you amongst the most gentlemanly and noble folk of the online shaving community Gavin.

I wish you great shaves.

Mykel

Thank you all for your replies. Just as I suspected, I picked up a decent razor. I at least knew enough to look for Sheffield or Solingen. Speaking of which, the store did have a Solingen razor; I think I'll be heading back there soon for another look.

Originally Posted by MykelDR

As far as dating it I can't help you here but one of us will no doubt chime in soon.

Hey Mykel. I contacted Steve from Invisible Edge (blueprinciple here so I found out) and he puts it somewhere around the 40s. I'll be sending it off to him as soon as funds permit. Good to see you here by the way (<--- The almighty Red Label of course.)