Thread: good quality production razors, New $100-$150 price range

Most are taping the spine to set the bevel.
To my mind the tape raises the spine off the stone making a steeper angle then they remove the tape lowering the angle to the stone.
This lowering puts the blade contact behind the edge of the bevel that was set by the tape.

Spine taping is done for a few reasons, The main ones been to preserve the spine against wear, or to correct a worn spine that doesn't sit well.

I don't tape my spines at all unless the razor actually needs it. It makes life easier when you touch them up after a few months use. That been said none of my razors are show quality.

The hardness of a razor is directly affected by the original temper of the steel, as well as it's carbon content. Vintage steel tends to have a lower carbon content but the hardness and temper of the blades can vary wildly. The final toughness of the steel doesn't always reflect the ability to hold an edge. Stainless is very tough, very hone resistant, but hasn't got the same edge retention in a lot of cases.

A good bevel check is the turn the razor edge up, and roll it in the light. A badly set bevel will reflect from the cutting edge, a well set one won't.

If the bevel is set correctly, and everything looks right and it still won't shave then start to look at the stone. A nice close up of the edge would be nice, to show us the scratch pattern from the hone. It may also be worth picking up some paste/Diamond spray if everything looks right and it's still not sharp, Or you could try 10 stropping strokes on the stone to see if it brings it up. I feel that is avoiding the problem and fixing it with a bit of a bodge, Rather than getting it right.

Also did you strop the blade after honing, It may improve the performance.

Looking at the straight razors on E bay is confusing as heck. Certainly some sellers prise their goodies unreasonably

Some sellers have no idea, Others very much know the razors and know what people will pay. It takes a few months of looking before you can spot a seller that has a gem and doesn't have a clue how to sell it, These are the auctions you pounce on. It's worth just reading, and remembering brands. You will at some point start to be able to gauge age and condition and take decent gambles on poor pictures. Often these can have huge rewards if you are willing to take a potential loss. Antique stores, fairs, and garage sales should also be visited.

One view of the stone.
The black rubber is a shipping protector?

Hi
I tried to post a view of the old razor edge that I have been working on. Some issue with my comp probably

I do strop on leather after working on the stone.
After this session I will wait a couple of days for my beard to grow out some.
I have a thin beard mostly except on my chin area. A lot of grey if that matters.

I tried to show the shiny band at the edge.

I would like to have a microscope so I could show my progress with the edge.

The spine on that razor is heavily worn. It's a 2 layer of tape razor by the looks. You need the tape to raise the angle to miss the big flat spot by the heel.

The other picture doesn't show this. I wonder if the last owner has flat ground it on one side for some reason.

My advice is leave off honing it till you have more understanding of the blade geometry.

Practice honing on the Gold dollar. And buy a shave ready SRD razor.

It'll blow your mind the difference in the shave. And once you have your hones in a few months come back to this one and re-evaluate it.

No doubt the razor is very worn. Just a hair over 1/2" blade. Worth the $5 I paid for it.

You could save a chunk by just getting one of your razors professionally honed. But you would probably want to contact your honer of choice first to see if they think it is worthwhile.

I like to do for myself.
I think I have gotten a feel for how steel works on various stones.

I would like to forge a piece of T 42 tool steel into a razor. I bet it would hold an edge for a very long time.
I know that stuff holds an edge on a metal lathe.

Portlandrazerco.com is a great choice for the price range. Made to order, so you will wait for a while for it to be made. Well worth the wait. They have a price point razor for 120. I own two prc, and I will likely own more in the time to come. It's money well spent.

Hi
Thanks for the referral. Portland razor looks very interesting.