New member from North Shore, Massachusetts

Hey all. I've been reading the posts in this forum for a while during my research for my first set. You were all super helpful in giving me the information I needed to make a good decision. I figured it was finally time to register and be able to comment. I really appreciate the history on vintage razors that you all have been able to provide as I have a few questions of my own in that regard.

Anyway. About me. I'm 27, bartending in gloucester ma for the summer. I have my masters in architecture and am well on my way to being licensed.

Here's a link to my first kit: - Album on Imgur

Finished my first SR shave with no nicks or cuts. I loved it and my new setup. : wicked_edge

I also purchased an ERN hollow ground "402" wald, Germany in Colorado at an antique shop. I was curious if it is best to leave it in its condition or get it restored. I will add pics when I can.

Well I hope to be an active member of the community and to take advantage of the excellent advice you all have been providing!

Thanks for reading my intro

Ian
EMAGDNiM

Here are the photos for my ERN crown and sword razor. Thanks in advance for any info you have on ERN or on the "402" specifically. I do know that it is turn of the century. Carl friedrich ern I believe and that wald is a small village in/near solingen. Not current day wald. Am I right?

- Album on Imgur

Hi and welcome. The ern has active (red) rust on it so it will need attention to get rid of this at a minimum. It looks like a little sanding and polishing should get rid of most of it but the pivot area has rust so might need to be unpinned to get to that properly. Is a good blade to do a first restore on.

Welcome to the forum Ian! Good to see another person from Massachusetts on the forum. I'm from Oakham, about 20 miles west of Worcester. There's a lot of great people and great info to be found here. Enjoy your journey into the world of straight shaving. Take your time. Very rewarding results will come surprisingly quickly, but remember, once the bug bites there's no turning back!
Enjoy the ride!

Pete <:-}

Ern's are good shavers. Mine is a mainstay in my rotation.

Unless you are adept at restoration techniques I'd say find a good restorer and have them do a thorough job on it, complete with a shave ready edge that you can judge other razors by. Look in SRP Classifieds for a restorer. There are a good number of them that do excellent work.

Thanks for the replies guys.I'll have to get it restored and put it in the rotation!

Welcome! Good to see a local here. I work in Gloucester. The only way you'll learn restoration is to give it a try. Just err on the side of removing less metal. It's better to have some blemishes on the blade than to damage the shape of it or the temper. Unless your Ern is something very rare and special, it's as good a starter as anything else.

Hi Ian & welcome aboard. As you already see, there is a wealth of information on here. There are many knowledgeable members here who can help out in most any shave related situation & the atmosphere is warm & at times can be humorous. Great to have you here.
Good luck my friend!