Thread: Newbie with vintage razor

I made the switch to DE razors a couple of years ago, and my obsession with shaving prompted my mother to purchase me a straight razor for xmas. She said she was driving through Arkansas and stopped off at a store that carried shaving supplies. She was going to get me a new razor but thought the vintage one would make a nicer gift.

I asked her if it had been sharpened, and she said the lady told her it was sharp and cut a piece of paper with it, but from what I've read I'm guessing this doesn't mean much. I tried to shave with it, but it didn't want to cut anything, so it seems that it isn't very sharp or wasn't honed properly.

The razor says Spike on the handle and Union Cutlery on the blade. Perhaps someone can elaborate on this razor as I can't seem to find much info pertaining to it. The handle is cream colored.

Would anyone be willing to properly hone this razor for me? I'll gladly pay for any costs involved.

Joey

Welcome aboard. Sounds like you got a nice razor. Cutting a piece of paper may have done a tad of damage to your razor, don't make a practice of it. You'll probably get an offer from someone closer or maybe even a honemiester, if not, I'll gladly do it for you for postage alone.

Is it green? I've got a nice "Spike" wedge that's got a green Jell-O coloured translucent handle.

The razor's edge really is a whole new level of keen and getting there can be a chore, but once you've arrived it's sooooooo satisfying. Make sure you read all the stuff in the help files, ask all the questions that aren't answered there, and try to drop in for a Sunday chat or seven. Here's to achieving the best shave ever soon!

X

Welcome!

The Spike razor from Union Cutlery is a good razor.
I believe AFDavis has offered to hone your razor for you. I suggest you take him up on that. Its a generous offer and then you will know what shaving sharp really means. Be sure and obtain at least a strop before you try shaving with the newly honed razor. You will need the plain leather hanging strop and use it before each shave. Strop approximately 30-50 roundtrip laps before each shave.

I have to second the recommendation that you read all the help files, study the illustrations, watch the videos and read the barbers manual before you go any further.
For a strop the best choices are
www.thewellshavedgentleman.com
www.classicshaving.com

may I also suggest the following link
www.en.nassrasur.com/razorcentral/index.html

Hope this helps,

Thanks for the replies and suggestions. I'll definitely look into the wealth of information that is available here.