I'll see what I can do....
Shavettes do not require stropping. If the barber shop has a strop, it might just be for show. Again, if they don't ever use real straights then they very well may not know how to strop either.
There is going to be a meet-up in Burkburnett, TX starting next Thursday for 5 days. I realize that it is a 2 hour drive each way for you, but if you might be interested in learning more about straight razors, then you could come down for a few hours to learn more than than you can imagine exists about them!
You can read about it HERE.
Attachment 256629
The bottle cap was to give the camera something to focus on....
Welcome. I'd say you need to fix the scales first, then get it honed. Without the wedge being pinned, there's no tension on the tang to keep it open properly. It will lead to injury, or a disaster.
Nice razor though, hope all works as planned.
Awesome heirloom, not much more to say than the guys before me have.
I hope that you can get it repaired and enjoy a great shave from it
Welcome to the forum and there has been some very good advice already provided.
Good luck.
That's a fantastic heirloom, all previous advice is great and should certainly be followed.
The razor meet if you can make it would be very beneficial for you. Good luck
Can't say I've been to every barber shop in OKC but none I have been to use real straights only shavettes, so chances are they know nothing of straights. I,m guessing Ok. Doesn't allow them to use. This is an heirloom, send it to ones of our pros to have it fixed and honed. I wouldn't chance it my self, or look up our membership and find someone close to you, I know we have members there. If I was at work I'd meet you, and as mentioned this week in Burkburnett Tx there will be a hone or two there. DONT TAKE CHANCES WITH YOUR HEIRLOOM. Tc