Thread: Handle broke on my straight razor - repairable or buy another razor?

Hello everyone:

I have a Bonza staight razor (hollow-ground) that I bought from this forum roughly 10 years ago. I'm not sure how old this razor is overall. About a week ago, the black plastic handle that was on it broke at the hinge pin. I am still shaving with the razor but it gets a little sketchy. Is it possible to get another handle fitted for this or should I splurge for a new razor?

If I need to buy another blade, House Of Knives is the the only brick/mortar store I know of locally (Vancouver Island, BC) to get one. The problem is that they only have fancy engraved razors that cost upwards of $300CAD. I am okay with spending 100-200 for a good one though.

Also, should I get another plastic handle or a wood one this time? Which one would be stronger?

Thanks!

If you have s9me basic wood working tools you can make new scales for it. Trace the one that isnt broken, transfer to wood around 0.080 to 0.100 inches thick. Cut them out, shape, put a f8nish on them like you would wood furnature and repin.

Or, f8nd s9meone locally that can do the work for you. You cant be the only one in the area that plays with razors or knifes.
Good luck with however you go about the fix. Or buy new from the forum here. Although shipping could be an issue. Still might be cheeper than buying new.

You can get replacement plastic scales from various Canadian sources for about 20 bucks on up. You would have to be able to do the pinning though. If you have to send it out to have the work done the cost of shipping both ways, the labour and parts add up quickly though. You may be better off just getting a replacement vintage razor from the BST here.

There are a few forum members in BC that may be able to help you out with replacement scales. I'd try PMing member RezDog and see what he says. That Bonsa is an excellent razor and it would be a pity not to keep it in use.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

You can get replacement plastic scales from various Canadian sources for about 20 bucks on up. You would have to be able to do the pinning though. If you have to send it out to have the work done the cost of shipping both ways, the labour and parts add up quickly though. You may be better off just getting a replacement vintage razor from the BST here.

There are a few forum members in BC that may be able to help you out with replacement scales. I'd try PMing member RezDog and see what he says. That Bonsa is an excellent razor and it would be a pity not to keep it in use.

Bob

Thanks for the reply Bob! I'll definitely PM RezDog and see what he says. I managed to get the pin out, but the piece that keeps the pin captive just shattered into two lol

Despite its character marks, I agree that it is a wicked razor. It would be a sad day if I had to throw it out. I have some disposable store razors to use but I keep using the straight regardless.

BTW, is there any way to tell how old this razor is?

Originally Posted by jpgbrookes

Thanks for the reply Bob! I'll definitely PM RezDog and see what he says. I managed to get the pin out, but the piece that keeps the pin captive just shattered into two lol

Despite its character marks, I agree that it is a wicked razor. It would be a sad day if I had to throw it out. I have some disposable store razors to use but I keep using the straight regardless.

BTW, is there any way to tell how old this razor is?

You can go here Razor makers and scroll down to Bontgen and Sabin and here https://shavelibrary.com/w/Bonsawerk_%229853%22_11/16 for a rough idea of how old the razor is. It is impossible to pin down an exact date but you should be able to narrow it down to an approximate decade.

Bob

Check these out. Both are in Canada in the Toronto area.

http://www.shavingstyle.com/razors/?cat=58

https://www.fendrihan.ca/products/fe...t-razor-handle

I have used the replacement bone scales from Fendrihan and they fit most standard size razors, but come without pins and collars. The scales from Shaving Style come with everything you need. Much less frustrating and time consuming than trying to make your own from scratch, especially if you have never done it before.

You’ll just need a small peen hammer (or back of a spoon) and some patience to repin. I suggest you start by taking at look at the repinning info in the SRP library and one of the many excellent videos on YouTube.

Originally Posted by BobH

You can go here Razor makers and scroll down to Bontgen and Sabin and here https://shavelibrary.com/w/Bonsawerk_%229853%22_11/16 for a rough idea of how old the razor is. It is impossible to pin down an exact date but you should be able to narrow it down to an approximate decade.

Bob

I was just looking at the bottom of the shavelibrary link and the archive. Looks like my razor was made sometime between 1902 and 1922. Wow!

By all means, splurge and buy yourself a new one.(then get some new replacement scales and learn to pin). One can't expect to go through life with only one razor.

Originally Posted by tintin

By all means, splurge and buy yourself a new one.(then get some new replacement scales and learn to pin). One can't expect to go through life with only one razor.

Yeah I think I will get another razor in addition to fixing the one I already have. That way I have a nice backup. Thanks for twisting my arm haha

This razor is a 13/16 with half-hollow. Would it be best to stick with the same specs for the next one or should I try a wedge?

Try Phil at The Classic Edge. He is a superb craftsman and can accommodate you with every option you might need, both for your repair and new razor.