New member from California. With a question.

Hello everybody, I have been observing this website/forum for quite some time and I finally received my first straight razor. I've been using a safety razor for several months and I'm ready to journey into the realm of the straight razor. So I was given an antique J.A. Henckels straight razor for Christmas. (My wife and my mother hatched a plan to purchase one for me) It has a chip and looks cracked and I'm wondering what my options are for a possible repair. I have attached some picture of it (I think it's gorgeous) and appreciate any and all advice. Attachment 116004Attachment 116005Attachment 116006Attachment 116007

G'Day and welcome to the fold.

I can't tell if it is cracked from the photos, however, the chips in the blade should hone out OK, from what I can see.

In the short term, I'd give it a gentle going over with some 0000 steel wool and a good quality metal polish (MAAS, Autosol etc) and see how it turns out.

FWIW I love the look of it too.

That looks like it could be a beauty. I would suggest investing a bit more and send it to a pro to (at minimum) hone the edge. Most of the good guys will inspect it for you and make recommendations according to what they see (with regard to additional repair and how well you might expect the blade to polish up)

Take your time and never rush anything. Carpenters say 'measure twice cut once'. To new straight shavers I say 'read everything you can, watch videos, educate yourself so that you know what questions to ask, ask them, repeat'

As a guy that dove in, I can tell you that this pool is best entered toe first, and the rest gradually when you KNOW what you are getting into.

Enjoy!!!!

Congratulations on the razor, you started out with a quality brand, now to get it prepared for shaving;)

Thanks guys! I've been researching for awhile and appreciate all of your input. I'll definitely plan on sending it in to a professional. I am so thankful for all the great information and am excited to learn all I can.