Thread: My first find! I have questions... (Images)

Originally Posted by mcgaz89

I found this in an auctioneers in Belfast, I was so chuffed! I'm brand new to straight razor shaving and definitely to collecting. I have a TI 5/8 Le Dandy I bought new online which is what I have been learning with. I went on the hunt for a quality razor that had perhaps seen better days, so that I could practice honing and restoration work. A sort of sacrificial blade if you will. I picked this up for £11.80 including auctioneers commission so I wouldn't be too disappointed if it wasn't top quality but I'd like to know if its a suitable "sacrifice" that is capable holding of a keen edge for my honing practice, or if it's junk. If it's junk then I'll practice anyway but if it's a decent blade I might look for another sacrifice and save this one as a first restoration job. I'd love to hear from the gurus and get some insight into my new razor!

The pictures aren't great but:

The box (coffin?) it came in says "Hamburg Ring", "Solingen", "Made in Germany". I know there are some fakes going out there that are made elsewhere, assembled in Solingen and then branded, but this box seems old.

The blade etching reads: "The Hamburg Ring", "TRY ME".

The shank etching reads: "Joseph Elliot's", "Best Silver Steel", "Sheffield Eng.".

There is no etching anywhere else on the razor.

I'm not sure of the scale material but I don't think they are plastic. A family member think its ebony but I am not so sure.

Any help or comments would be appreciated! Let me know if it was worth the buy and if it is more suitable as a sacrifice (honing practice) or saved as a future restoration job.

It's no fake. I think I have one somewhere. I have also seen them on eBay.

Nice score, should clean up well. Too good to sacrifice. Hard to tell from pics, but little to no hone wear, some damage on the edge. could end up a superb shaver. Some better pics of the edge may help. That thumbnail is definitely a fake.

Very nice Sir ....May you have many more finds as good as this !!

Thanks for the input everyone! Looks like I'll be keeping this as my first restoration job. Off to try and find a honing practice sacrifice.