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hey guys just got back from picking up my first razor didn't pay much for it and it could use some work to be shavable but I'm really happy with it. it is a challenge cutlery co. Bridgeport Connecticut. was wondering if anybody could give me some company history and let me know how they shave, any info would be great. I am so green at this but I think it's a hollow grind.
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You will find a little information here:
Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation
Looks like a beauty to me...
One thing I do notice, though, is that there is what appears to be some uneven hone wear on the spine, and possibly a slight frown. Not much, and not a lot to worry about (I think... I'm not an expert), but if you look at the spine, you'll see it's smiling slightly. In the middle, it looks like the hone wear is slightly more than at the heel or toe, and either it's the shadows in the pic or there may be a slight frown.
I don't think it's anything that would cause any real trouble in honing... nothing a pro couldn't fix for ya. Again, I could be wrong about all of this. I'll defer to someone with more experience than myself.
Still, a good looking razor and I'll bet you'll have great shaves with it!
yeah I'm taking to a guy named Bob that does restos and honing. I just hope I can get several years of use out of it. I hope it's not been honed out already lol. it does have rust near the stamp at the pin but the pin seems to work nicely and has a good feel. a pit in one side near the top. But I'm looking for agood functional razor. Fingers crossed.Quote:
Originally Posted by crouton976
In 1889, Walter M.Taussing founded the Challenge Razor Works in Bridgeport Connecticut, In 1899 the name became the Challenge Cutlery Company. It was incorporated in 1905 and by 1928. stopped production or was sold. That said your razor was made between 1905 to 1928.
Meh, I wouldn't sweat the pitting... This one is what I'm shaving with tonight. I'm sure there's plenty of life left in your razor. :)
what do you use to wipe the unadulterated awesome off your face after shaving with that?Quote:
Originally Posted by crouton976
thank you so much for the information. Do you know what kind of quality they were known for? I've not heard many people talk about them.Quote:
Originally Posted by Martin103
Nothing. I like to let it simmer for a bit... :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
Challenge Razor Works and Challenge Cutlery Co, are both great shavers, reason being that at this time is history most American cutlery hired Sheffieders and German cutlery workers to come here and work and train people to do the various phases of cutlery manufacturing. Properly honed this razor will not disappoint.
Google is your friend. Google the name.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
Challenge was a top shelf cutlery house. I carry one of their pocket knives every day. NO junk ever went out their door.
Here's one made before 1899.
http://i658.photobucket.com/albums/u.../razors101.jpg
Wullie speaks the truth. That is a nice shaver! :chapeau
I just can't wait to get it buffed up honed and ready to shave. it's going to take some practice but the journey is half the fun. I need pointed in the direction of a non extravagant get stuff done strop.
Tandy Leather Corp.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
There are a few options. One strop I have seen recently is a beginner bench strop from GemStar Customs. Gssixgun (as known on the forum) I'm sure would answer any questions you may have. Looks easy to learn on, and the price is great. I have not used, but I'm certain from reading others experiences with his products that it is very high quality and will fit the bill until you are ready for something more extravagant.Quote:
Originally Posted by Vegita182
If you want a hanging strop, Illinois 827, Star Custom are inexpensive quality options. Straight Razor Designs offers options of hanging strops, and also a modular paddle with a few different pieces included at a great price. I have a black latigo and a Roo strop from SRD, and both are great.
Good luck!
you have saved me quite abit of research and mulling. I will probably order from gssixgun I'm buying everything a piece at a time have a baby on the way. DIAPERS!!!! lol. But thank you for pointing me in the right direction.Quote:
Originally Posted by EdG
Haha... I can certainly understand the call for diaper help... gifts like that can be life savers!
As far as the budgetary constraints go, you could always make do with things you have around the house or can buy for $5 or less until you can afford a proper strop. Do a search on here for stropping with newspaper and you'll see what I mean. Another option is buy a 1.5" wide leather belt blank from a hobby store like Hobby Lobby or Michael's and use it for a strop (at least for a leather component). You may or may not have to treat it with neatsfoot oil, but it would do in a pinch. Sure, you'd have to really practice your X-strokes while stropping, but that's certainly not a bad thing as you learn a very valuable skill in the process. There are all kinds of ways to get by until the funds can replenish themselves.
If I had an extra strop that was in any kind of reasonable condition, I'd send it your way since I can remember what it was like to tighten the belt a bit with a new child on the way. Unfortunately, both of my previous strops have been designated as nostalgia only pieces.
I really like the michaels belt blank idea I'm going to see how much it's going to cost me for a good cleaning and hone. I sent it on its way to Robert Keyes to get it shave ready. Ill be sure to post after pics when he sends it back. And I completely understand the need for a few nostalgic pieces.Quote:
Originally Posted by crouton976
Yeah, they were kinda worn out when I got 'em and throughout my learning process, I think I did 'em in, with the exception of one of the linen components.
I'm definitely interested to see how you come out on the razor... heck, even on the strop too! :)
I'll keep you updated, I'm at the hurry up and wait phase. I went to some local antique shops today looking around and found a handful of straights all with a fair amount of petina and some pitting one looked as though it had been sharpened with a cinder block. another had the stamp FACE SCRAPER on the tang lol.Quote:
Originally Posted by crouton976
It amazes me that these razors and their packaging were so well made they've survived for so long, looking almost new!Quote:
Originally Posted by Wullie
One piece of advice I would give is to try and avoid making your own strop at this point.
The GemStar was designed specifically for a beginner to try and help ease the learning curve.
Whippeddog.com also has a "poor mans" strop, so check that out too.
I understand being in a tight financial situation, but its totally worth it to spend a little extra up front than it is to dull or ruin your edge by using less than ideal materials - especially an edge you just paid to have sharpened.
Just my opinion. We all gotta go what we gotta do! Let us know how it goes.
I completely agree. I want to do it right the first time and I probably get a good beginners strop. I just mean that I want all of my money going towards functionality rather than decorum or flair. Not saying I dint want that it's just something I'll have to save for a piece at a time. e.g I have a 7 dollar VDH boar brush, it works for me but by God if I don't save up for a nice badger and stand to compliment it :rock:Quote:
Originally Posted by EdG
I'd suggest a paddle strop as you first one, because it is SO MUCH EASIER to keep your edge flat and your stroke consistent. SRD has some good ones for not too many $$$ as do others that who are partners here.
VDH set is a good starter. It works just fine. All you need to start is a shave ready razor, soap, brush and strop that work.
Fancy stuff can always come later. And then more....and then maybe some more....
All I know is I have a bathroom full of brushes, soaps, creams, AS, mugs, scuttles, more soaps....
[I'QUOTE=EdG;1189818]VDH set is a good starter. It works just fine. All you need to start is a shave ready razor, soap, brush and strop that work.
Fancy stuff can always come later. And then more....and then maybe some more....
All I know is I have a bathroom full of brushes, soaps, creams, AS, mugs, scuttles, more soaps....[/QUOTE]
im excited to start a collection of awesome smelling soaps. in the soap section someone recommended Ogallala bay rum.
If interested in inexpensive, great scented soap I have two suggestions.
First is Mikes Natural Soaps. Great scents, easy to use, and hand made USA.
Second I just started using. Stirling Soap Company. 5 bucks a puck. Super easy lather, amazing scent. Also hand made. Great stuff.
There are lots of high quality soaps and creams, all at different price points. There is lots of info in the soap and creams section here.
just an update bob has received my razor and said that it looked to be in good shape barely looked used, didn't recommend anything other than a good hone. Hopefully I will have my first straight razor shave experience within the week. :y
Good news for you! Let us know how it goes.
It finally has arrived, he didn't have to do much cleaning no new pictures yet. I can't wait to shave with it. The edge looks so mean. Now just have to wait to buy a strop. Might take the first shave tonight then put it up till I get one :D
That's a nice looking razor, far nicer than the pieces I found on the cheap to fix up :)
As far as the strop goes, some time on eBay May net a decent find on the cheap or just purchase some material (leather) and make your own either hanging or glued to a flat board. That's my current project on the pathway to finally get a shave with my own equipment!
