I built a database early on that also stores pictures. Without it I wouldn't have a clue.
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My first razor was a fluid steel. It was very fortunate, as I *started* to learn to hone on it. It took an edge easily, and gave more consistent good shaves than any other hollow. 'Plain Jane, daily drivers that are hard to beat. I picked up an Ontario, which if I understand correctly, was acquired by Genco. It was just what I was looking for w/ the "german silver" bolsters. Sadly, when the gunk cleaned up, the pitting was extensive, including the bevel area. To remove all the pitting would have cut prob 1/4" off the height, which I wasn't willing to do, so I honed it pits & all. There are visible pits in the edge, and yet it shaved very well. Go figure. This Ontario was visually the same as one Sham sold a while back. 'Handsome & a great shaver. I'm left w/ the impression that the NY steel from the 20s is as good as any on the planet. I like my wackers, have one Eyre sheffield, but the steel, edge taking and holding quality of the NY steel takes a back seat to none I've tried.
BTW, SWMBO makes jewelry, and tells me most bolsters were made w/ 'German Silver' which is a trade name for white brass (no silver). Like 'white gold', it uses more alloy to hide the yellow and red of the copper in the brass or gold.
Pinklather:
QUOTE>The 3 'S's: Stretch, Stroke, Styptic. Yeah! I think I'm getting this!
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A little more CrOx, a little less styptic.....:dropjaw:
I recently got a Genco. The shave is so smooth it feels like an acidental nick is impossible. To cut myslef I imagine I would have to intend to draw blood. I would like to think this is because my honing skill is getting better, but I have to admit, Genco is a great razor.