Thread: Poor old razor.

My neighbor just gave me this straight razor. He said it has been in his family for a while. I feel like I need to bring it back to life.
On the blade it reads:
Frederick's
Celebrated Razor
Sheffield

Any of you gents know what this is?

This is a better picture of the blade.

It is in terrible shape, I have an emotional attachment to this razor for some reason. I need some advice.

It's a very good razor! Hard to tell on my cell phone here, but it looks like its in pretty good shape. If the scales are good and the blade centers between them, it may only need some metal polish and a hone.

You giving it back after the clean up or keeping it?

If there's no rust and hardly any hone wear, it's what I would say, in good shape. Everything else can be takin care of.

I am going to keep it. I want to shave with this razor but it is not in good shape. I was really surprised when my neighbor gave it to me. I asked him twice if he was serious about giving me this razor.

There is some rust and the blade has not been taken care of. There are nicks and chips and the pin is loose. There is also hone wear. This poor guy has been through some things. I want to bring him back!

You're going to have to take better pictures if you want specific advice. Right now all we can see is the black shape of a razor. Try some daylight and brace the camera against something.

maybe this picture? Ralf Aust 5/8 sitting beside the razor in question

That razor has been mistreated. I am going to order some honing stones from SRD. Maybe by Christmas I can have it shave ready.