Thread: New Guy Here.

Hi, I have been lurking for a while and thought I should finally register.
I just bought a beautiful razor for 36 bucks called a silver king from Wilbert Co.

I will post pics of it soon.

My main question is I have a chance to buy a Sheffield (Patriot?) for $95. It is one gorgeous razor, with gold inlay. It looks to be in excellent condition. I have not been able to find much info on a "patriot" but I hear Sheffield mentioned a lot as a good quality blade.

I can also get an antique German strop in good condition for around 30 bucks. How do these prices sound? I would really appreciate all of the input you experts can give me.

Welcome, the razor sounds pretty. Suppose it's sharp? The price sounds okay, maybe a little on the high side, but if its in perfect condition I'd consider it.

For that price, I'd be sure it's a larger size blade, 6/8 at least and half hollow. If it's a 5/8 full hollow from 30 or 40 years ago then you're getting fleeced.

I'd prefer a new strop to an antique since leather doesn't age as well as steel.

Welcome to SRP. I would want to know more about who made 'the patriot'. Is that an etching on a razor made by W&B or Wostenholm, Joseph Rodgers ? There were a lot of great Sheffield makers but 'the patriot' is unknown to me and $95 can by a darn good shaver out of the classifieds.

For strops if they are vintage I like the 24x 2 1/2 that the old pro barbers used. What are the dimensions of the antique German strop and does it have a linen second component ? Just some stuff to consider.

Originally Posted by xman

For that price, I'd be sure it's a larger size blade, 6/8 at least and half hollow. If it's a 5/8 full hollow from 30 or 40 years ago then you're getting fleeced.

I'd prefer a new strop to an antique since leather doesn't age as well as steel.

I will have to check into that, I have a lot to learn.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. I would want to know more about who made 'the patriot'. Is that an etching on a razor made by W&B or Wostenholm, Joseph Rodgers ? There were a lot of great Sheffield makers but 'the patriot' is unknown to me and $95 can by a darn good shaver out of the classifieds.

For strops if they are vintage I like the 24x 2 1/2 that the old pro barbers used. What are the dimensions of the antique German strop and does it have a linen second component ? Just some stuff to consider.

More things I will have to check. If there are good quality new strops available, I would prefer that.

I think I will wait and try out my new razor, and learn more before I spring 95 bucks on that razor. It sure is a nice one, though. This seller also has a "Torrey Ranzo" for $20 I heard that is a good blade, too.

So, should I buy a honing stone and strop to try my first shave? Or get the blade professionally sharpened, until I learn what I am doing? I know these are probably questions that have been asked many times, if so, excuse me.

Thanks you guys.