Thread: New Guy, New Razor, Same Old Story!

Just thought I'd introduce myself. I've been interested in straight razors for a few months now and I finally took the plunge last night. I know most of the experienced guys will say I went about it all wrong - I bought a "shave ready" ebay razor. It's a F.W. Engels "Special". I paid about $35 shipped (OK deal?) Hopefully it actually IS shave ready, but if not, I don't mind getting it there.

There's NO way I could convince my wife that spending $100 on a razor is a good idea. BUT, if I buy a $35 one, then nickle and dime her to death getting it in good condition, she won't really notice. Plus, I'm a big DIY guy, and I really like old stuff. I also have quite a bit of sharpening experience, and even a little knife-making experience. I've also done a fair amount of leather work, and I plan to delve into the strop-making threads more later.

So, speaking of old stuff, does anybody know much about this model razor? From what I can gather, F.W. Engels was in business from 1909-1943ish. Do any of you know when the "Special" was manufactured during that time period?

I have never owned one but have heard really good things about them. Some, maybe the 'Special' have been called 'Singing Engels' due (I think) to the fine grind of the blade. Its a German made razor and Germans are known for making quality items. Depending on condition of your razor it should turn out to be a good one but without pics its hard to tell. If you can post some pics others will chime in with info. Here on SRP we Love pics!

Big word of caution. Despite ANY of your sharpening experience, razors are to knives like the distance from Earth to Alpha Centari. Read the Library section on honing and better yet, find a Mentor near you that can give you a one-on-one session on shaving and honing. In the search box at the top of that page enter Local Help and click on the first post listed. By states and countries are the Mentors listed.

If your razor shows up shave ready and in good condition you will have been very lucky. Honing is best left to those who already know for a little while. Hopefully you will be able to figure out if you do have a shave ready blade. I would start by watching a few videos, and member check to see if any of the members are near you. One on one is worth while. Happy shaving!

Originally Posted by DoughBoy68

Here on SRP we Love pics!

Here's some from the ebay listing (Credits to
johnloc1 on ebay):

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Big word of caution. Despite ANY of your sharpening experience, razors are to knives like the distance from Earth to Alpha Centari. Read the Library section on honing and better yet, find a Mentor near you that can give you a one-on-one session on shaving and honing. In the search box at the top of that page enter Local Help and click on the first post listed. By states and countries are the Mentors listed.

Don't, worry, I'm not going to jump and and start grinding on it any time soon. I don't even have a suitable stone. IF I get around to doing my own honing, I'll have done lots of research, and only if I feel comfortable in my ability to to it will I proceed. I'm new to razors, but I'm very much a perfectionist. And I like learning new things.

the over all condition looks ok. They are not the most revealing pictures. I would try some non destructive sharp test when it arrives. I guess what I'm trying to say is avoid things like the thumb nail test. Check to see if you can waft off some arm hair with touching the skin. If it can do that you should be off to the races. Truly shave ready razors off eBay does happen, so you may be very lucky. We have all made fun of ads for "shave ready" that obviously were not.

Originally Posted by RezDog

We have all made fun of ads for "shave ready" that obviously were not.

I'd done enough research beforehand to know that the "shave ready" part might be a stretch. I bought this one because, from what I'd read, it's a decent razor, and it appeared to be in good enough condition to be salvageable (to my untrained eye, at least).

Anyway, I know just enough to know that I know nothing about razors. And, I'll reiterate about the honing, I won't do it unless I feel comfortable. After my research, if I decide it's over my head, I'll have it professionally honed.

Looks good but how will "you know it's shave ready "? That's why everyone is saying to get it honed by someone who knows , knife sharp and razor sharp are night and day, if your going to shave with it you need to be a perfectionist in technique so give yourself a chance at success ,, you'll be way ahead starting right , after that then learn how to hone walk before run, a perfectionist would do it that way. Good luck. The razor should be a good one. Tc

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

Looks good but how will "you know it's shave ready "?

If it won't shave, I'm going to assume it isn't shave ready. Haha.

Seriously guys, I've got this. I'm reasonably intelligent. If the razor won't shave, I'll figure out if I can hone it, or I'll find someone who can. I've been watching honing videos, and frankly, it looks pretty straight forward. I've done enough to know that learning the technique (pressure, etc.) will be the trick. If I have to, I'll go to a junk store and find a junk razor to practice on. And, I'm not above learning from others.

Anyway, honing isn't really even my concern yet. I have a million other things to learn. Once the razor arrives, I'll go from there.

eminart,

eBay is notorious for lofty descriptions and false claims of "shave ready." By Jove, I have yet to find a straight razor on eBay that is actually shave ready. I bought an eBay razor that the seller described as in "mint" condition and shave ready. I knew that to be far from the truth, but I wanted that specific razor.

When it arrived, as I had guessed, the razor was neither in "mint" condition nor shave ready. What's more, the edge had chips and nicks up and down. I wrote the seller and pointed out the problems with his razor, adding, "Didn't you examine the edge under a scope while honing?" He said he didn't, but insisted that his razor was shave ready.

Whatever . . .

So you see, in some circles, shave ready is a lofty statement with no support.

F.W. Engels is a fine razor, and yours looks okay, but I can only guess from your opaque photos.

If I may suggest, forget about honing now and concentrate on honing your skill with the straight razor. Also, learn how to strop properly. Send the razor out to a professional to hone and start on the right foot.