Thread: Real or fake?

Hi, so I'm very new to straight razors and this is my first experience with one, i found this one when sorting through some old things and it really got me interested, now after doing some research I'm wondering if it is a real or fake Henckels? Also whether it would be possible to restore it?. I have ordered myself a new razor to start with but am considering trying to restore this one if it's worth it?.

What makes you think it may be a fake? If you search the razors database you should find a reference to the 'man' logo and this may indicate the age - the more usual logo shows twins.

As regards restoration, there is a significant chip that needs to be removed and this will probably mean re-profiling the whole toe area. If you have the skills and tools there is guidance in the restoration section. Otherwise consider sending it to a restorer - there are some in the UK.

The fact it only has one man in the logo is why I thought it may be a fake as I can't seem to find any others with that logo, they all seem to have a two man logo.

I am currently looking at getting my self a full set of honing stones, I was looking at the naniwa super stones ,( any recommendations?) as the restoration side of things really interests me, I've always been quite good with my hands so think I might give it a go, just don't want to ruin a good razor as seems like a waste.

Naniwa has some excellent hones, both the Super Stones and the harder, more expensive Choseras have good reputations. To remove a chip of that size, I would recommend buying a DMT 8C or Atoma 400, as they remove steel quickly and serve as lapping stones. As for the Naniwas, I'd go with 1K, 3/4K, 8K, 12K Super Stones or 1K (3K) 5K 10K Choseras.

If you tape the spine while working on removing the chip, you'll reduce the hone wear (especially because it has none). I guess you'll easily wear out 3 layers of tape, but once it's in good shape and honed well, that razor will be a good shaver

Good luck!

here is some info from the wiki
J. A. Henckels - Straight Razor Place Wiki
I find them to be particularly good shavers although a little tough on the sharpening end.

I am sure it is real. They are still making them today. The only problem I see is what appears to be a nick near the front of the blade.

Im not sure if its real, J.A. Henckels used allways the Twin Trademark since over 100 Years, never saw or heared of a "One Man" TM of Henckels, also the Number Code seems a bit strange to me. I also only saw J.A. Henckels on the Tang of Razors of that time (The Case and the Plastic Inlay indicate a production time from the 50s until the 2000s) or Zwilling, Twin or Friodur, but never Henckels Solingen Germany, im very sceptic about that Razor.
There is a One-Man TM of Henckels as visible on the HP in the TM-History Section, but this looks not like that on the Razor.

There are threads about the one man logo; they exist.
I'm too lazy to re-read this thread, but it's the first thing that comes up if you search Henkels one man: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...real-fake.html
There are threads about fake razors; one has never been seen (that I am aware of).

Getting honing stones is always a good thing if you're planning to stick with SR shaving. Just realize razor restoration will require more aggressive stones and some different techniques. I use Naniwa 400 and the DMT 325 for chip removal.

You can use sandpaper or something like the stones above to remove that chip. I'd recommend a 45 degree bread knifing stroke to remove the chip and re-contour the toe and don't forget about the heel while focusing on the chip.

You'll definitely want to use 2-3 layers of electrical tape while resetting the bevel. I say restore it.

If you go on the internet and type in remove chip straight razor the a u tube video should come up. Brad (AK Undream) has a video on the matter. I used it when I removed a chip from 2 razors I bought of Ebay. correction one off ebay and one the blade broke after I got it. anyway good luck with it. as far as stones the Naniwa 1K 3/8K and the 12K are what I use and there is a video on u tube for honing that is very informative. that's how I became able to hone my own razors. take care and good luck.