Do these blades look usable?

Gents,

I'm half tempted to bid on one of the two razors below. Granted they are not shave ready but do they appear like they could be sharpened to be so? The first is a Boker Edelweiss currently at $35 USD. I'm guessing it'll go for more. The second is a Wade & Butcher Special starting at $25 USD. Shipping will tack on another $13 USD.

Both have a more pointy toe than I think I'd like for a first razor, but both appear that they could be made nice again. If I do end up with one, what are some of the risks with buffing the steel?

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Thanks,

D

If you are looking for a first resto project they will probably be fine. If these are goig to be yuor first straight razors then I would highly recommend looking in the classified here on the site and buying a shave ready straight from a fellow member for your first. You will probably end up spending less $$ as well.

Main Index - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

That Boker really shows some wear. Nice even wear, but still the edge has moved way up the blade. It'll be a while on the rocks I'm guessing. The Sheffie will clean right up, one or two layers of tape. (the WB appears to have replacement scales on it too, if you care)

Buffing with machines runs two risks: over heating the blade and annealing the temper right out of it, or catching the blade and having it flung into other metals or through your flesh. There are lots of busted blades posted here, some very rare ones.

Professionals, like Glen, have no problem buffing them out to shiny goodness. I'm still of the all-hand-work school which gets you a not rusty, not busted blade, ready to shave. I use paper to 3k and metal polish. Also, buffers eat etching.

Might i suggest a wine cork to wrap your papers around. Good luck.

Just for info

The Boker is well worn

The W&B looks to be in better shape, but the rust on the edge becomes an unknown quantity...



This is a Tips article I wrote sometime ago that might help you in your searches


http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...eb-2011-a.html

The boker has a lot of hone wear, and it gets uneven at the heel. I can't really see any pitting or nicks, so I think it could be saved.
The W&B is slightly less worn, but there could be some pitting underneath the rust.