Thread: Hello from Michigan

Don't know that it's a valuable piece.
Before any resto attempt see if it will take an edge.
That patch of corrosion near the centre of the edge (last pic) may be a problem. It appears to be mirrored on both sides & will be weak & prone to chipping till you hit sound steel. Keep us posted on the outcome.

So if the blade is 11/16 now and I had to take it to say 9/16 to get to good steel would that affect the razor drastically or is that just what it takes sometimes.

That is a considerable jump & it certainly will not shave the same as 11/16. For me 9/16 is more useful as a trimmer but some like the narrower widths.
You would be likely well into the rear stabiliser with that much metal removal which will make honing difficult. You can often reshape the heel to compensate. Tricky for a first time. Maybe this link helps if you have to take that path :
http://straightrazorpalace.com/advan...rrecting+heels

Hello, gandrw:

Welcome to SRP.

If I may suggest, buy yourself a new pre-sharpened razor from any number of vendors listed at SRP. Or find a good one in the Classifieds. Save the antique shop razor for your honing practice.

If I were starting out, initially I would focus on learning the art and craft of shaving with a straight razor. I would learn razor technique and the intricacies of making great lather for my preparation. There is plenty of time to learning honing and all the rest.

Either way, good luck to you. We're delighted you have joined the rank of gentlemen shavers.

Regards,
Obie

Hi and welcome aboard. I live in Clarkston, just north of Pine Knob.

I am not a honemeister by any means, but I can get a razor shave ready. If you are interested, I can meet with you, get your razor shave ready and help you get going in the right direction as best I can. Just PM me.

David

For now I'm just waiting to get some money set aside for a razor and strop so I figured I might as well tinker around with the resto on the razor I picked up at the antique shop. I'm in between jobs right now so I have plenty of time to work on that.

Alembic. If the resto is successful I may take you up on your offer to help hone it. I have family in Southfield so I'm over visiting them often and that wouldn't be to far away from Clarkston.

Originally Posted by gandrw

For now I'm just waiting to get some money set aside for a razor and strop so I figured I might as well tinker around with the resto on the razor I picked up at the antique shop. I'm in between jobs right now so I have plenty of time to work on that.

Alembic. If the resto is successful I may take you up on your offer to help hone it. I have family in Southfield so I'm over visiting them often and that wouldn't be to far away from Clarkston.

If you are looking to save money just go down to the local leather shop and buy a 3 inch wide by 18 inch long piece of leather and cut a hole in the top, fasten it with a peice of leather string and tie it to your towel rack and you will be in business for about ten bucks. Welcome to SRP

any particular finish to the leather or thickness. or just plain leather works.

Started working on the restoration and I'm liking how it's going so far. I will definitely have to get a few things to make this easier in the future.
But I think this razor may actually shave some day.
I cant wait to get into making new scales as I have much more experience with wood than steel.

Welcome aboard,
I just finished a couple west side brews! A Founders and a Bells. If you decide on a vintage blade Hi Bud sells razors at a resonable price and they are wicked sharp.