Thread: Just Invested in a Straight Razor, Looking for Clean-Up Advice

Hi everyone. I've just bought my first straight razor from eBay with obvious age-related wear. The tang appears to have some light pitting but I'm unsure as to what the marks are on the blade's body and edge. They almost look like scratches. The razor hasn't arrived yet so all I have are the listing images. Most of the other vintage razors I saw had minute chips in the cutting edge so when I came across this one it seemed promising. I've done some research into the Kropp brand and from what people have said they were very sound razors. Is there any evident damage that I can't sand or polish out? Just looking for reassurance that I haven't made a horrible mistake :P
Thanks for the help.

Welcome to the forum. I dont think there is anything that a little light sanding and metal polish cant do to improve the look of that razor. Kropp razors are very good shavers and once you put an edge on it I think it will you will be happy with it. No horrible mistake that I can see. Read some of the restoration tips in the library and related threads and i'm sure it will turn out to be a fine razor. If you need help with the honing bit I believe a member named Celtic Crusader may be able to help you with that and he seems to be located in your area. Nice find good luck with it. Let us know how it goes.

Welcome to the forum.

It looks good to me even as is. Once you get the edge right none of those other marks should give you any trouble at all. I recently picked up a vintage razor with some marks on it and I have decided to leave them alone, I think they add character.

Razorfaust is right though, you will need to get it properly hones. Did the listing say that it was shave ready? That is the single most important thing to be sure of before you put it to your face.

Congrats on the purchase.

Hello and welcome on the forum. There is not a lot of work on it. All can be done with de-make-up pads and q-tips, dish soap, methanol and metal polish.

Most of that looks purely cosmetic.

That said, I would focus on the stains/pits near the edge.
Those would need to go to ensure an even and proper edge that will endure use over time.

Nice looking razor, I would send it to Jamie aka celticcruisader to get it cleaned and honed. He is in Wales.

As been said, a good cleaning and a real honing and your good to go. Dont worry about a couple stains. It shows its age and its vintage. If after you get a good grip on S.R. shaving and want a perfect razor then buy new.
I think you made a good choice. Enjoy the learning and read info in the library. And btw, welcome to srp!