Newbie with a razor

Seeking info.Thank You.
Why is the edge of this razor scalloped? Was it practical or decorative?
The end is chocolate dark. Is that an aging thing or was someone tamping a pipe?
Thanks for your patience.
Ray

Welcome to SRP. The edge you speak of is called the spine. From what I can see in the pic that is a nice razor that needs to be cleaned up. If it is scalloped (can't see it that well) it is purely for looks.

Those are some nice scales too !

Spine and scales.
My wife will never believe I learned two new things in one day.
Thanks'
Ray

G'day ray welcome to the place
The Scallops are for decoration as 10pups mentioned the important bit is the edge of the spine where it contacts a hone when held flat on the stone
It's hard to see from the photo but looks some hone wear at the point.

The browning you asked about also, this is the hair area on the lady on the scales I am guessing.
It could be age staining or dirt etc but have seen some of these fancy scales that look painted or stained to suit the design so this is what it could be, as it looks like some green also flowing past her face.
Give the scales a clean with an old tooth brush and a cloth see how goes.

Looks like it has lost the blade point somewhere along the line also.

But It should all clean up well,
get it honed by someone who knows what hey are doing and it should be a good little shaver

This shot shows the dark area better.I got to thinking after looking back to check out the hair. Maybe it lived standing on end in a glass or mug and the moisture stained it.
Perhaps a good way for it to continue in a glass on end next to the sink where it can show off.
Thanks a million,
RayAttachment 168233

NICE...That is a much better picture. I would guess it colored on purpose and the rest worn off. Somebody will come along and confirm or correct that. Moisture would have stained the blade first. Shame if it just sits in a glass and you don't use it. It's a very nice razor. If you put a name to it, it would be nice. Looks like it's from Rochester NY

It's a nice looking razor. I had one with scales a little similar to that but I gave it away. Yours looks a little 'wedgy' from the second picture (i.e. not a full hollow) I'd be interested to see the blade profile from head on. I like the decorative spine work. I'd get it honed (or hone it yourself) but I'd stipulate honing with tape (or use tape myself) on the spine to save any more wear.

I wouldn't store it in a glass next to the sink. It'd be too moist there, I think razors are best stored out of the bathroom.

It does appear that the tail needs a little work, it looks from the first photo like there's possibly some rust there.

Carl