Here are a couple of picks of a Wester Bros that I won for $15 on ebay.





As you can see, in the middle of the edge there is a large area where the razor was poorly honed. I know it is difficult to make a diagnosis with just pictures, so in description let me say that I can't feel any difference runing my finger along the side of the blade in this area, but I can see that it is worn away to some extent. Also, somone who knows at least a little more of what they were doing put some effort into this one, because the razor has been honed, and while I haven't shaved with it yet, it pops hairs as well as any of my honemeister prepped blades, and passes the nail test. I can see that the slight tarnish on the razor has been removed on the spine where it would touch the hone, and on the edge, where there is a shiny tight bevel that looks good, even through the area that has been messed up.

I bought this one as I was able to make an Ebay special DD that was so dull I would have let my 8 year old play with it keen enought that it is now the 4th razor in my rotation. (Yes I am proud of that fact, but it was so rewarding to work on, especially as I don't create anything in my job, I just examine contracts all day long. l)

So first, does anyone think that the abnormal wear is going to create issues with getting/keeping this razor keen?

Second, I know that I need to go slow, and test often, but assuming that this razor really isn't shave ready, and knowing that even if it is, at some point it will need some TLC, does anyone have any advise as to anything special that I should do to protect or minimize the effects of the damage that was already done to this razor?

I really want this one to work out, as from the Ebay picture I thought it had plain jane yellow scales, but it turns out that they have white pinstrips that are subtle, but give the razor a very classy look.

This is only my second attempt at a razor that didn't come from a honemeister, so any and all advise is greatly appreciated!

Oh, and I guess that the tools I have available to me would be a good thing for everyone to know: Norton 4k/8k, pasted paddle with 6, 1, and .5, and 3 barber hones from Tilly that I just received, and haven't tried yet, Lithide, Gem, and Cushioned Strop (the BEGINNERS PACKAGE off her website).

Thanks gents,

Jim