Thread: What Say You?

Just picked this razor up at an antique swap meet. Set me back $7.50...I didn't bother to dicker. I haven't seen much info on the W&B "Celebrated Congress" but it seems like a good candidate for some degree of restoration.

The scales had contracted enough over the years I did have to make a new lead wedge. I used some bulls-eye washers as I didn't have any replacements for the thin grommet type washers it was equipped with originally, and didn't want to damage the originals during the re-assembly process as they are pretty delicate. I did of course keep all of the original materials, and I'm sure someone with more skills than I could re-incorporate the original wedge/pins/washers.

So, what says the Peanut Gallery? Is this worth shelling out more money for a legit top end restoration, or should I call it a day, hone it up, and get to shavin' with it?

Good looking scales, blade is not good IMO.
That very dark spot close to the heel does not look good at all, at least on picture.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Good looking scales, blade is not good IMO.
That very dark spot close to the heel does not look good at all, at least on picture.

In better light it looks like a low spot in the bevel. There are some nicks along the edge that I'll have to hone out anyway, and my guess is by the time I get the nicks out the low spot will go away with them. I suppose I'll see when I set the new bevel!

Nope, not worth the effort that it would take to bring it back to shave ready restoration status. As the only certified official unofficial straight razor disposal expert on this forum you should send it to me with a check (I do take PayPal) for the disposal fee and I will take care of the problem for you.

Entropy, when I look at this blade I have to say I'm a "glass half full" kinda guy
You'll probably lose some blade-width getting to clean steel but....Go for it !!

Originally Posted by guitstik

As the only certified official unofficial straight razor disposal expert on this forum

Wowzer, you must be a busy guy!

It is definitely a case of "better check that you can get a good clean bevel on it" before you spend any time or cash on it.

Originally Posted by RezDog

It is definitely a case of "better check that you can get a good clean bevel on it" before you spend any time or cash on it.

I'm no photographer, but I think I've succeeded in portraying the razor in the worst possible light. (literally and figuratively). I've managed to set bevels in worse blades, but the results though shave worthy, were not always pretty. And pretty is pretty much the goal here. I've got several "user grade" W&Bs, but no Showboats. I'd like for this one to be the Showboat. Which is why I've decided to punt

If gssixgun can't resurrect it, it can't be done.

punting gets the job done when it calls for a punt, nuttin wrong wit dat.
most likely wont be able to save the etch and get down to "showboat" looking clean steel. but it looks like a hefty grind and should look mighty purdy after either a light regrind or a run through the grits of greaseless. definitely gonna lose a little width to get below that one spot towards the heel but wedges have a lot of steel and often a lost cause lookin blade turns out just fine without losing too much width. ive had ones that looked worse and found a full bright bevel without losing more than 1/32-1/16".

You got that right Mike, handing the ball off to Glen will "git er done ". Remember to show us the after pics! Tc