Thread: New guy!

Hey guys,

My name is Wynand. I recently inherited by Grandpa's straightrazor. I've always wanted to shave with one, but I have absolutely no clue as to how to do well basically anything with it. It hasn't been used in a while and it is pretty dull. Is it worth getting it honed? or should I just use it as decoration and get a new blade?

Thanks,

Wynand

Welcome to SRP Wynand. There are several factors to be considered. What condition is the blade in? If it is still sound, with no chips on the cutting edge, then it is probably worth a shot at restoring. You can take off any suface rust with some wet/dry sandpaper and send it out for a good honing. It is always very helpful to send some clear photos of your razor to make it easier to do an evaluation. Even if it isn't usable, it is still great to have a family heirloom to hold on to. And if it should be a good shaver, then you will have something nice to pass on to your grandkids.

Regards - Walt

Welcome to SRP. Feel free to ask lots of questions we are here to help. Also check out the wiki at the top of the page its full of useful info.

Hello and welcome to SRP!!! Grandfathers razor is a great one to have. I hope it is in good enough condition to use. If so, then send it out to one of our guys that is a pro to get it honed and read and study as much as you can while you are waiting for it. This is a great bunch of guys here that will answer all of your questions and try to get you started on the right path to straight shaving. Very Best Regards, wildhog

I'm pretty sure its in good enough condition to use...if I wanted to post some pictures how would I do just that? I was in Germany and a pretty darn good salesman got me to buy some stuff, a honing stone, a tube of this paste stuff for my belt(also my grandpa's). Also is there a person who does honing in Edmonton?

Originally Posted by SAB113

I'm pretty sure its in good enough condition to use...if I wanted to post some pictures how would I do just that? I was in Germany and a pretty darn good salesman got me to buy some stuff, a honing stone, a tube of this paste stuff for my belt(also my grandpa's). Also is there a person who does honing in Edmonton?

Welcome to SRP Wynand - it's the best start to the learning curve you could find.
To post photos, click the 'Go Advanced' button and scroll down until you find the 'Manage Attachments' button, click on it and follow the prompts.
There is a bit of a process involved in selecting files and then uploading them at this stage, however, if you have basic computer skills it's not that difficult.
I'm sorry I can't be more specific but I'm explaining this from memory and haven't done it in a while.
I have to finish the razors I'm working on so I can post more photos....hehehe
I'm glad that you have realised, early in your journey, that we like photos here.
I only wish that I could locate any of my Grandfathers razors - they would be so treasured.
I'm sure there is someone local who could assist you with honing or you could send it out to one of the restorers here - from what I've seen they'll love it nearly as much as you do.
Next step, read the WIKI and the posts, ask questions if you can't find what you want to know and enjoy the fellowship of the great bunch of people here.
Most of all - hang on and enjoy the ride