Thread: My Thoughts on Those Very Old Straight Razors

Xman...
What a great story!!! With that bit of information, I'm sure you have his name. I would try to find out whatever I could from the son about anything from those military days and document it. You just saved a name from the forgotten pile... how cool is that? 8)

I'm workin' on the name actually, but I will keep digging for now. Gently with the seller (It's his family after all) and aggressively at Collections Canada, but it was a hell of a big war.

X

I bought a Genco 4/8 which was listed as a 5/8. It was restored but the hone was terrible. I bought stones and decided to try and bring the edge back myself. Much to my surprise, it turned out great and the shave is beyond my wildest expectations. I just bought another Genco from a family whose grandfather used it for many years. This will be my project to bring life back to a fine instrument. I learned to pin, hone and now to totally restore the metal. I never thought when I started wet shaving I would find such enjoyment and pride in working on these old razors. One day these razors will be passed on to my grandchildren to use and or admire.

I don't often think of where a razor came from but the one I value most is a de that came from a deceased family member. I will never sell it and have yet to use it. With shaving though there are many items that can hold this value. I purchased a strop from ebay a certifyd with Irish linen that stated in the description that it was owned by the man's father. During the war he did shaves and cuts and didn't charge but accepted tips. This kept him with money to spend going to dances etc which is how his father met his mother and was able to take her out on dates etc. When I informed him through our messaging that it would be restored and used he said that it made him happy to know it would be brought back to life again. How many other strops, brushes, etc hold these stories is amazing to think about but as with most things that are common place at one time and of the everyday in time is lost to history and forgotten

I rarely think of who might have shaved with any vintage razor I have purchased. I think about the Craftsmen who made it. The gentleman who took raw steel and beat it into shape, who ground it down little by little, revealing a piece of himself, rendered in cold steel. A representation of his skills, and dedication to craft that has survived nigh onto two centuries (in some cases) until it now sits in my hand, restored and ready to serve the purpose it's maker intended . . . grooming a gentleman who can appreciate the workmanship present in this wonderful tool, and who will keep it whole for just a little while longer.

My greatest wish would be to acquire an heirloom razor that belonged either to one of my wife's antecedents, or one of mine. but that is a project for another day.

Mine are similar to yours. But i like to collect them. Not only as fascination but i like to give them new life. They are not only peace of history.

This thread is awesome. I'm really into antics and straights are a part off it now. Whenever I buy one I try to find out the history behind it. Sometimes you get lucky and it is very rewarding.