Vintage razor -- condition too perfect?

Hello everyone -- I'm new to straight razors (long time DE user) and have been picking up a few inexpensive vintage ones from ebay to hone and use. I'm a hand tool woodworker so already have most of the honing equipment. So far, so good. Having fun and learning to shave (better).

I just bought this from ebay (Friedr Herder ABR.SOHN 16/16, 76 Ace of Spades), delivered today. It's gorgeous... looks perfect, unused. No wear on the spine. Arrived nearly shave-ready.

This is not buyers-remorse -- I really like the razor and plan to keep and use it. And of course I could and should have asked questions before buying.

Can anyone please tell me about this razor? Age estimate? My real question... does it make sense for a "vintage" razor to be in this perfect condition? I assume it would have to be new old stock that's been sitting around somewhere.

Many thanks!
Tony.

Attachment 295561

Nice blade. Looks like it's been restored and rescaled. I have only seen those type of scales on a Herder form one eBay seller. Nice blades though. The Spade and Crossed Keys were their some of their trade marks.

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Originally Posted by javalavva

Hello everyone -- I'm new to straight razors (long time DE user) and have been picking up a few inexpensive vintage ones from ebay to hone and use. I'm a hand tool woodworker so already have most of the honing equipment. So far, so good. Having fun and learning to shave (better).

I just bought this from ebay (Friedr Herder ABR.SOHN 16/16, 76 Ace of Spades), delivered today. It's gorgeous... looks perfect, unused. No wear on the spine. Arrived nearly shave-ready.

This is not buyers-remorse -- I really like the razor and plan to keep and use it. And of course I could and should have asked questions before buying.

Can anyone please tell me about this razor? Age estimate? My real question... does it make sense for a "vintage" razor to be in this perfect condition? I assume it would have to be new old stock that's been sitting around somewhere.

Many thanks!
Tony.

Attachment 295561

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I don't know anything about the age of your razor but it makes sense to find a vintage one in perfect condition. It happens all the time. NOS (new old stock) is the term. You have a nice score.

I believe they have been selling a lot of the Herders lately on eBay. NOS. One of the Mentors here (Sharptonn) has a big fondness for these razors. He will be along after a while and comment. It's a great blade you have bought. A bit big for learning the shave in the beginning. 6/8 is much better to learn with. But I'm not saying it can't be done. I'd recommend you send it off and have a PRO hone it for ya. The worst thing to do is to try and learn to shave with a razor that is not perfect as far as the edge goes. Sure, You can sharpen things, but to properly hone a razor is a different animal.

Welcome to SRP. If this is the beginning of your collection, you are going to have a great collection for sure!

It's NOS from those who bought-out the herder factory's stock in the 90's.
They are selling some on Ebay from time to time.
The bone scales are not original. There are no spacers between the tang and the bone, Also, the wedge is not tapered. This means the scales will chew-up the tang in short-order.

I have a few pair I will be making a proper wedge for and installing spacers..

Attachment 295562

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

...There are no spacers between the tang and the bone, Also, the wedge is not tapered. This means the scales will chew-up the tang in short-order....

Attachment 295562

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Just out of curiosity, can you tell that from the pictures that were/are posted, or have you seen different views?

He has just got bit by the Herder bug and bought a few. Thats how he knows. Those scales look nice Tom. Check out the work shop thread to see more Herders lately.

Tom is "the man" that defines the answer to the question, how many straight razors is enough? One more than you have! Luckily, he lets some of them go sometimes after improving them!

Well, I have seen enough of some things to know.
Getting way too familiar with these! ;)
The blade is pre-WWII and is a real NOS survivor.

Glad to see some here snatching them up.. Won't come around again, I think!

Thanks! This is actually my fourth razor picked up in a relative short period of time. First was a 5/8, then a couple 6/8s, then this big guy. I think 6/8 is my favorite for shaving so far. Lots of learning (and some mistakes) with learning to hone, but making progress. I am considering sending one out for a pro hone for a reference. I wish I had a service within easy driving distance (Hartford, CT).

Thanks Sharptonn, you are spot on with your assessment. Beautiful blade, but the wedge is lacking and no washers at the pivot. I ordered some pinning supplies so will be taking a shot at improving this week. I think a new wedge made out of walnut or another hardwood scrap would work well.

Attachment 295680

Here is what I did.....The bone wedge was glued to one side...
https://straightrazorpalace.com/work...ml#post1840287