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Thread: My $0.01 Challenge Razor
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11-20-2011, 03:39 AM #1
- Join Date
- Mar 2011
- Location
- Washington DC Metro Area
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- 468
Thanked: 114My $0.01 Challenge Razor
I bought this Clauss for a penny. Yep, $0.01. I came off a few nickels for S&H, but I still think the seller paid out-of-pocket in the exchange. (Before you label me a heartless internet marauder, I did feel bad for the seller for at least a few nanoseconds. )
The heavy hone wear, rusty pitting (including some on the edge), uneven bevel, warped edge and spine, and noticeable frown could lead some to say that I still overpaid. But, truth be told, I was really only eyeing the scales and had low expectations for the steel.
Upon arrival, though, the blade was surprisingly worse than predicted -- so much so that I was actually keyed up by the prospects of restoring it. Isn’t it odd how our brains work sometimes? If the list of defects was less extensive I would have had zero interest in refurbishing the razor. As it was, however, the blade was simply so ugly that I just couldn’t help but attempt restoration.
After hand sanding and a prolonged visit with the greaseless compounds, followed by exhaustive experimentation on my hones, the razor now provides excellent excellent shaves. It must be said, though, the warped blade was a complete PITA to sharpen! But persistence was rewarded. The razor is a few sizes smaller than I prefer, but it should now be good for another 100+ years.
Thanks for reading.
Brian
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11-20-2011, 04:21 AM #2
That is an amazing transformation. I can barely believe that is the same blade. Mods forgive me here but damn.
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11-20-2011, 04:53 AM #3
- Join Date
- May 2005
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- Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
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- 8,023
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Thanked: 2209Lots of work and excellent results!
Randolph Tuttle, a SRP Mentor for residents of Minnesota & western Wisconsin
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11-20-2011, 07:37 AM #4
- Join Date
- Apr 2008
- Location
- Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States
- Posts
- 2,943
Thanked: 433This makes me rethink some of the razors I usually pass on!! Nice work!
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11-20-2011, 12:38 PM #5
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- Feb 2010
- Location
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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- 2,895
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Thanked: 993Wow. An excellent job! It's amazing what comes of a little elbow grease, determination and experimentation. Nice stuff Brian!
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11-20-2011, 04:33 PM #6
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Location
- Arbroath, Scotland
- Posts
- 73
Thanked: 15Great work - I love to see these old razors brought back into circulation especially something that looks like a lost casue. Redemption is but a couple (of dozen) sheets of wet'n'dry paper away
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11-20-2011, 05:53 PM #7
Very impressive. Massive kudos.
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11-20-2011, 06:56 PM #8
- Join Date
- Mar 2011
- Location
- Corcoran, Minnesota
- Posts
- 665
Thanked: 170I admire your persistance, sir.
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11-20-2011, 07:15 PM #9
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11-26-2011, 02:10 AM #10
- Join Date
- Jun 2011
- Posts
- 39
Thanked: 10Nice! Among other difficulties, I am guessing that heel cause problems honing, yes?