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?