Thread: razors in reserve

Attachment 150611I really don't know if anyone out there is like me or not. I started back in straights last Aug. and since then have acquired several razors. in all these razors I have gotten 4 that I can't bring myself to use. one dovo Bismarck one boker sliver steel and 2 hinckels one 5/8 and the other 4/8. none of these have been used as far as I know . the bismark and sliver steel came pre-honed. I've several I use a lot but no 7 day sets like some folks. They just look so good. The reason I'm posting this is that I'm expecting another razor in the next day or two and although it's not new it is completely reconditioned and to me it's the best one I will have. any good ways to work up some courage to use these wonderful works of art.(at least to me they are art). I don't have a photo of the 4/8 henckel and the dovo and sliver steel are know to all so I will post the photo of the 5/8 henckel again and the one i'm expecting. The new one was featured on the shave of the day not but a few days before Xmas. I think when I do pass i'll have my wife put these and some shaving crème in my box for the the trip that way I can look good for my main boss.

I tried to put two photos on the post. i'll put it on the reply.

If you are confident in your abilities to keep a razor dry and oiled after you use it then I would use every one of them. I see my razors as a tool first and work of usable art second. There are some razors that I have that I pay a little more attention to than others when drying and oiling though, but don't get me wrong I do take good care of them all.

Whether or not you use them, as long as you enjoy having them is what matters.

Edit: I almost forgot to say those are two beautiful razors!

+1 on what McBrautigam says about a tool first and a work of useable art second. I am an artist and I am constantly drooling (can't think of a better word) over all the beautiful steel art items I see on the site everyday. But my reaction to these artful items is not one of stand back and admire. It's one of "I can't wait to get my hands on this beauty and put her through her paces" because the shape says "use me". To me, they only improve with use and age.

I always dry with tissue and re-oil and if I know i'm not going to use for a while I use a product called R.I.G. it is a yellow grease for firearms. with it on metal rust had not got a chance. I also wrap in wax paper. that way the lub will not wick away from the metal.

I would use the razors, unless you're going to donate them to a museum seems like you have good maintenance plan and wouldn't have a problem with rust. Then again you could always drop one, then Wham! in pieces, I'm probably not helping now am I.......

thanks for the night mares

Personally I would not hesitate to use them but that is just me. I do not own a razor I have not shaved with regularly because that is what I bought them for. I don't have as elaborate a rust prevention routine as you do but I am guessing you might have a more humid climate then here.

Bob

not really that humid but I can't stand for anything to rust. I have found that it is easier to prevent than remove. my problem stems from going over board when I started back. but its been fun. and I've communicated with some very good people

Just use them. You spent the money on them, whether to have them restored or they were restored to begin with, and IMO they serve no purpose looking shiny in a box or on a fireplace mantle. JMHO, of course.

I only have one razor that's not in regular rotation (or reserve). It's a 15/16 Wostenholm, as close to a full wedge as you'll get, easily over 130 years old and in shave ready condition. The problem is the scales - they're original, complete with lead spacer, but cracked at the pivot pin. They feel like they're going to fall apart every shave. I could get it restored but that would ruin the originality; conversely I could shelve it indefinitely, but I don't do that because that would rob me of the joy of shaving with it. Tough choice, but what do you do?

Ryan82 do an original restoration. Unpinned it super glue the crack refurbish the scales reuse washers and repin it. I'm sure you've thought about it just put'n it out there.

I'm with you razors are meant to be used.