Hi everyone, and kudos for having such a great place with so much stuff about cool toys for manly men :)
Recently, I've found my grand-grandfather razors, one in good shape and one so-so, and, remembering him as he shaved with them, with all the ritual, I kinda asked myself if people still use these things... one google later, sure enough there's a whole forum about it :) and I read... and read... and read... and I can't get enough :)
Long story short, 3 weeks later I have a strop, a blue belgian stone, two *probably* honed razors (one polished and the other one with the rust gone , at least) and an almost completely shaved left arm. My mates from work look funny at me :) Now all that's left is for the beard to grow, hope I'll not chop myself too hard the first time (fingers crossed).
I'm including a couple of pictures of the arsenal, not because they're great lookers, but rather for the folks who might be interested about these brands (couldn't find them in the database).
1. This one, if its box is original, seems to be a 6/8" (?) russian "STIZ". Otherwise, might be chinese - can't really tell. It has two crossed arrows and "66" stamped on it. It was in quite good condition, only polished it a bit before honing.
Attachment 74915
2. The second one I believe to be a 5/8" Richard Schmitz "Caschmiso" made in Solingen. Probably from late 40's, it looks like it shaved some beard... I had to put a bit of work to clean it up, it still has quite a bit of pitting but I'm fine with it. Hope to be able to shave with it, but will probably need some bevel setting on a 1000 stone.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/%3Ca%...%22%3E%3C/a%3EAttachment 74913
Some things I've noted during the cleaning process (I've used a Dremel 300):
- Don't use a brass wire brush. While being softer on the blade, it will "plate" it with brass :)
- What seemed to work: carbon steel wire brush first, then abrasive brush grit 220 (473S), then the impregnated polishing wheel (520). This was by trial and error, so it's not necessarily gospel.
- Put the razor down while polishing, don't hold it in your hand, or else!
Hope I didn't bore you much and have a good week ahead!
Regards,
Adrian