Thread: 100 yr old razor/newbie user question

Been enjoying the pleasure of the straight razor for about 2 months now, but have a question.
It was given to me used (Antique Store purchase) and when I tried getting it honed was told it had been honed so many times it lost it's ability to "keep an edge"
Is that possible or was that information wrong?
Here it is 10 years later and I did have it honed (service by mail) from address I found on the internet.
I get a shave, but it leaves a lot to be desired, more stuble left and I have even noticed a nick in the "edge" when I hold at a certain angle.
Rather than buy a new straight razor I really would like to get this one back in good usable shape.
Imprint on blade:
J.S. Holler & Co
Soligen Germany

Any suggestions, I really didn't know where to turn before I found you folks.
Thanks for any help
Enjoying the "Pleasure" Larry

Welcome aboard Larry. For starters you should post a good pic of the blade face so we can evaluate the hone wear. Whoever honed that razor for you did a sloppy job and I wouldn't put that blade anywhere near my face. The edge is supposed to be completely clean. Nicks equal red streaks on your face.

You can get some pretty decent shavers off e-bay for under $10 (not new, new ones in that price range are crap) that will only require a honing to get shave ready or you can spend about $50 and get a nicely restored shave ready piece from Bill Ellis or Joe Chandler. Or get both, buy a hone and use the shave-ready one as a benchmark in working on your project piece.

Larry,

The steel itself won't lose it's hardness unless it somehow got heated to a really high temperature.

If a razor is poorly honed for a long time, the blade may wear in such a way that it's difficult or impossible to sharpen. You can post some photos or just send it to one of the senior members, who may be willing to evalute it and hone it for you for free.

Welcome aboard!

Josh

It sounds like you have been thru enough.Send the razor to me and I will evaluate it and hone it for you for free.

I will send you a PM with my address and phone number

You've come to the right place. Randy will look after you well and advise you soundly. Take him upon his offer.

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