Payoff!

Gents finally after the hours of trial and error accompanied by the invaluable knowledge this site provides I have finally brought my first razor from chip removal to shave readiness off the strop!

After disappointment with a Pakistani blade I got this one figured with the rust it was shot and therefore would be ok to practice on. And lo a d behold it shaves almost as well as the Droescher I just picked up!

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Now I'm wondering if anyone has ever encountered a Winchester razor. I assumed it was just some cheaply made promo for the company, but it shaped up.

My only worry now is how I am going to get the rest of this oxidation off without setting the edge back to square one.

Also I used the norton 4k/8k, the n a pasted balsa strop, then to leather. Would I be likely to see a huge difference if I got a much finer grit finishing stone?

Nice feeling Huh :)

The older Winchester's are known to be very good shavers, I wish I could find one in decent shape...

Sailor, if you shaved with that razor, then God bless you. You must really love that razor.
Keep us posted on the progress & thanks for sharing it.

Nice job. It is very satisfying to shave with a razor you honed yourself.

I've seen a couple of those Winchester razors around the antique stores. Sellers here seem to think they are made of some precious metal, because they had ridiculous price tags. Needless to say, I haven't owned one.

Congrats on the success. I dont think your going to get that rust off without killing the edge though.

I have seen many. My idea is the razors were made by someone else and stamped for Winchester. I suspect Geneva Cutlery or similar maker. Just as today, I don't think Winchester actually made razors or knives or the plethoria of items with their name on it, other than firearms. The prices are ridiculous for what they actually are and I have seen very few with good, full blades. I suppose Winchester collectors are the main target of sellers. Seems to be some percieved mystique with the name. I would like to pick up a nice example for a decent price, but cannot ever seem to justify the price for such a plain blade. JMO.

Winchesters have always been on the high end of the cost ladder for vintage razors because they are hard to find in decent shape, are really good shavers and highly sought by collectors of Winchester stuff. I have two of them in excellent condition and they are indeed very nice shavers.

Have fun.

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Originally Posted by SailorJ

My only worry now is how I am going to get the rest of this oxidation off without setting the edge back to square one.

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Extremely carefully! but since your results were good with the honing, if you damage it you get to do it again. At the very least on your next razor you will clean all the gunk before taking it to the hones.

I know this may be like throwing a pork chop in a dog run full of puppies but, here is one in good shape. Now if I wasn't seeing a counselor right now about my RAD I would be alllll over this .

Antique Winchester Straight Razor 8531 Signed | eBay

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Nice feeling Huh :)

The older Winchester's are known to be very good shavers, I wish I could find one in decent shape...

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There was one that just went on the bay for a over a C note :)

Sounds like I should have done some research on it before honing away at the spine!

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Originally Posted by SailorJ

Sounds like I should have done some research on it before honing away at the spine!

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SailorJ, there is some debate whether or not tape should be used. There are guys on the forum that consider their blades 'workhorses' others want to maintain the condition as best as possible. As long as you enjoy the shave, who cares what it looks like! Some of my best shavers are unattractive, to me, and have tons of wear.