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.