Thread: FL Newbie w/ Question about Recent Purchase

Hey STP:

I've been thinking about getting a straight razor for some time now. I came across the blade in the picture at a flea market, but it was missing the scale. I recognized the 'Solingen' stamp and it was in 'good' condition, so I picked it up for $10. There is very little powder rust spots, no pitting, and the edge has a couple very minor nicks; however, the edge is straight.



Does anyone know anything about the quality of this company (Beckher-Otte, Inc) and blade? I've already searched the forums and have not found anything. I was wondering if this is worth restoring, and if so, who would you recommend for honing & a new scale?

Thanks,
Rob

You shouldn't have a thing to worry about quality wise, solingen = good, doesn't really matter about the maker.

nice find, was it like that or are there scales to?

Thanks for the reply tekbow.
No scales, it was like this. I bought it from a 'knife' case at a flea market. There were no other straight razors. The seller told me that he had bought a set of deer antlers with a 'bunch or razors hanging off it', a couple years ago in Tennessee. Apparently this was one of the razors, but not sure what happened to the scale.

I have an old WWII German dagger that was made in Solingen, so I recognized the city name and the way the metal has aged on this razor. So I figured that it was old enough to be considered vintage. At the very least, its a start into the realm of straight razors...

The general rules are new razors made in germany, japan and france are good quality, and vinatage made in germany, france, uk or the states are all good quality wise, again the makers don't matter so much. there's obviously the sought after blades and makers, but there's a level of quality below which none of these dip, and the level is good.

It looks quite usable to me, worth a shot at restoration if your willing there are lots of experienced Honers/Restorer's on this site who would be more than willing to fit a set of scales to your blade and hone it up for you while he/she was up to it!! Worth considering.

The Classifieds have some names you could research for craftsmen.

Have fun with it, its' a great hobby I have always found it enjoyable

tinkersd of SRP!

Thanks, tinkersd. I'll check out the classifieds.

Don't really have anything to add to what the other gentlemen said but just wanted to welcome you to SRP from one Florida Guy to another.