Thread: How d'I do for a 1st vintage buy?

OK, 1st off I'm new to straight shaving and new to restorations.

Picked this up on the bay for less than £5 delivered! I expected it to be in a state but OK for a 1st project however a quick scrub shows it to be relatively free from corrosion, just some water spots. I'm wondering if I got lucky?

Checked against a straight edge it appears true and not frowning or smiling. The box is numbered 288134 and the end appears to say ¾ Inch Black ROUND POINT. Made and Ground in Sheffield, England by Kropp.

Does anybody have any idea of what decade it might have been manufactured?







I'm thinking maybe some metal polish or a quick rub with very fine wet and dry, then send it to the honemeister. Scales are good and the blade sits fairly firmly in them.

It's certainly has a potential to be a nice shaver. The hone wear is on the moderate side and a bit more than what I like (note the bevel is getting into the shoulder, and there looks to be a small frown), but with a bit of love it should be fixable.
I rather like how these Kropps shave.

I say you did very well. Polish that guy up and have it honed and you'll be set. Don't be concerned about the hone wear...it's light and that razor will be in service for several more lifetimes.

Originally Posted by Jeltz

OK, 1st off I'm new to straight shaving and new to restorations.

Picked this up on the bay for less than £5 delivered! I expected it to be in a state but OK for a 1st project however a quick scrub shows it to be relatively free from corrosion, just some water spots. I'm wondering if I got lucky?

Checked against a straight edge it appears true and not frowning or smiling. The box is numbered 288134 and the end appears to say ¾ Inch Black ROUND POINT. Made and Ground in Sheffield, England by Kropp.

Does anybody have any idea of what decade it might have been manufactured?
....snip...

I'm thinking maybe some metal polish or a quick rub with very fine wet and dry, then send it to the honemeister. Scales are good and the blade sits fairly firmly in them.

Good find!

Do give it a light bit of oil including the pivot
wipe it down well and then a bit of polish...
and perhaps some 2000 wet/dry... Then
another light coat of oil and a gentle wipe
prior to posting it to the honemeister.

The bright steel exposed by wet/dry will rust
in five min so a touch of polish followed by
a light touch of oil (mineral or Camilla) is key.

The first touch of oil was to make sure that
you got some oil on the blade while it was
still very dry. Water might keep oil out
of the pivot and oil can help limit the water
in the pivot area.

Not much oil is needed. If you wipe the blade clean
with a tissue there is still going to be enough oil to protect
the steel. Just a couple drops of mineral oil will do ya...

Thanks gentlemen, I'll polish it up and get some mineral oil on it.

I just shaved with my Kropp tonight, and I must say that it is a superb shaver.
well done.