I'm so bummed. I had picked up an old Jos. Elliot of the bay (C + C so old Jos. Elliot). The description listed as a shave ready blade with nondescript bakelite scales. So, with the chance to grab it for ~$15, I figured it would make a good second starter blade to use just to have a basis of comparison for the Old Manhattan wedge I'd also picked up... and to have something cheap to practice stropping, and eventually honing, on.

Well, upon receiving it I became rather elated when I discovered the scales were actually horn, not bakelite and - other than a bit of a chip on one at the butt end and a very small bug bit on the inside - in very good condition. Just a bit dull and in need of a little straightening and a polish. 'Awesome', I though - perfect for a first restoration.

Well, one week and two practice shaves (one cheek only) later, I noticed a perpendicular hairline crack running from the blade edge in about 3/16".
So now I'm down and out over the fact that I might not only be out a restoration candidate - but also a practice blade...

I think I'm going to go ahead and restore the scales (good practice and never know, may have another chance to use them in the future).

My question is: how safe - or unsafe - would it be to continue using to shave with such a crack present?

If you look just below the right-hand foot of the 'W' you'll see the crack.

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