Thread: First Straight

I just purchased this at an antique store for $15. It's manufactured by Union Cutlery in Olean, NY. It doesn't look like it needs much work to be shave-ready. I'm probably just going to send it to Larry at WD to put an edge on it. Everything seems to be in pretty good shape.

Can anyone tell me how these razors perform? Did I make a wise purchase?

That's a superb find for the price. Looks to be a great shaver. You'll know once you get her honed up.

I like the spike on that one.

The guy had it priced at $40; but he admitted to not knowing much about straights. The funny thing is- neither do I, but I can sure sound smart when I need to, lol! So I told him that these really aren't rare collector pieces (which is true), and he let me walk out with it for $15.

Thank you for the comments! This has helped to confirm my purchase decision.

Oh, one other thing, it looks to be a full-hollow grind.

Polish it up a bit and post an after pic. Then get a few more as backups.

You got an outstanding purchase and that will be a great shaver. Let us know how the first
shave goes when you have it honed.

I'll definitely post my thoughts after using it. It may be a little while before I send it out to get honed though. Any recommendations on polishing it up? Should I use sand paper/micromesh, or just some Scrubbing bubbles or vinegar/corn starch compound?

No on the vinegar. I start with the LEAST aggressive polishing methods first and work my way up as needed. (I've started with toothpaste and a t-shirt scrap to remove a slight tarnish spots before). Take your time and watch your fingers too. Go easy!!! Do not apply much if any pressure on the blade. Read, read, read, other posts about making it shine. Be extra careful not to break the scales. Go easy!!

Wow sounds like a great deal.

Roger

Originally Posted by HaiKarate

No on the vinegar. I start with the LEAST aggressive polishing methods first and work my way up as needed. (I've started with toothpaste and a t-shirt scrap to remove a slight tarnish spots before). Take your time and watch your fingers too. Go easy!!! Do not apply much if any pressure on the blade. Read, read, read, other posts about making it shine. Be extra careful not to break the scales. Go easy!!

Thanks for the input! I see a lot of info on the sand paper/micromesh method. However, I'm hesitant to do this on a full-hollow blade. I haven't polished a straight before, and don't want to risk making the blade too thin. I will research non-abrasive methods and see what I find.