Thread: My Collection - Identifying, Valuing, and Restoring

To find members/restorers in your area go to this link and enter your town.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

looks like a nice start on your collection. be aware of spending too much time on the rusty ones you mentioned until your sure they can take a good edge(learned that the hard way myself). rust goes deeper than you can ever imagine.

My recomendation is,do not put a value on any razor,they are tools to be used,not investments.
Over the years I have gone from well over 100 blades to 10,the ones I use,the best of the best,they serve me well.
They are worth nothing from a monitary standpoint to me.

Originally Posted by kn4wd

the green handle wade with Sheffield is pre 1892 the second with England is the later post 1892. country was required after 1892.the wedge grind will probably be the best shaver when honed properly

Whoa. That's pretty cool. I always knew they were old but not that old. That kind of makes me appreciate and cherish them even more.

1) Wedge grind does not = better shaving. That's hype. Every persons face is different, and will so are the beards, so keep in mind you may find a "better shave" from one grind to the next.

2) Original handles (for the most part) offer a distinct advantage over making your own. THEY ALREADY FIT!
The horn scales on that old W&B? they look great to me! you would be amazed at how much life is still in them if they are just cleaned, soaked in some neatsfoot oil, and polished. They will take a glossy shine like you would not believe.
I have always been impressed with the horn restorations performed by Undream here on the forums (has a business too, Maggard Razors)
3) Family heirlooms are irreplaceable. Priceless. you simply cant put a value on it. What else can you think of that your great grandfather might have left behind for you to continue the legacy with? Cant think of much, can you? Cherish these puppies!
4) Family heirlooms are irreplaceable! do NOT learn/practice restoration on these. Get some cheap junkers of you are going to insist on doing it yourself, and get some experience before you risk ruining them!
A properly packaged BOX (not an envelope) via priority mail with tracking is highly unlikely to become lost. (post takes much better care of priority mail items) I have no qualms about sending razors out via this method, and any reputable resto person will happily ship them back the same way.
Please give some serious consideration to having a professional do the job if you are worried about damaging such gems, and want to keep them as original as possible.
Oh, and Thistle cutlery made some fantastic blades. They do shave a treat! <--- me rubbing my thistle clean shaven chin!

Alright well say I did take the professional approach. How much would I be looking to shell out to get the lot restored? The only one probably not capable of being readily repaired is the Larkin, so I'll probably just get the blade restored and then make my own scales for it (since I would like to modernize at least one of them). I know obviously you can't give an accurate assessment on someone else's rates for work, but what would be a ballpark for all 7 blades? A few hundred dollars? Looking at Maggard Razor's site it seems like I'd be in for a good bit of cash to get them done right (and it seems he isn't taking new orders at the moment). I'm not in the position to be throwing down a lot of cash on fixing up old razors, but I am very interested in returning them to a state that they deserve to be in (and one that will make my face happy as well).

Contact one of the resto guys in the link provided previously, they will give you a better idea than our guesswork.
You could always get one or two done and store the rest for now.

On old straight razors I like to keep the original scales on them if possible. If they're junk, I'll try to find another old set that fit.
Magpie is right on about the horn scales. I bet they will clean up just gorgeous as long as they aren't cracked or damaged in any way. I love working with horn even though it does stink. The outcome is well worth the effort. Follow his advice, you won't go wrong!

Never forget, in the world of craftsmanship, "Ya Gets What Cha Pays For"

There are also "levels" of restoration. Myself, I am usually happy with a simple clean and polish. I like to do the best job possible without removing the blades for a full on resto.
If you are ok with a basic resto, send me a PM. If you want full pins off mirror polish, and you don't want to wait for Brad, send a note to Gssixgun (pretty much the resident resto guru/go to honemiester guy)