Thread: Ruined my first razor.

I have two vintage razors with cracks I put into them by honing with too much pressure. Like you, I lost patience and tried to short cut my way to fixing the edge by using brute force. Seldom works.

On the good side, I’m planning out the process for turning them into shorties. They’ll still be vintage and they will be in my rotation, they’ll just be somewhat shorter than their brothers and sisters.

You have a positive attitude and clear-eyed reflection on your own work that will stand you in good stead for your journey into restoring razors. Keep at it.

Working over worn razors is possible.
However, keep in mind that they will never regain their original geometry.

If it seems like you are trying to make a fine razor from 1/2 of the original, that is it.
Honing a chunk of steel.

Much better to search out nice examples to learn with.
One razor with the proper shape and condition is worth 10 honed-out clunkers any day. JMHO

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Working over worn razors is possible.
However, keep in mind that they will never regain their original geometry.

If it seems like you are trying to make a fine razor from 1/2 of the original, that is it.
Honing a chunk of steel.

Much better to search out nice examples to learn with.
One razor with the proper shape and condition is worth 10 honed-out clunkers any day. JMHO

The razor had hone ware in the completely wrong place to begin with.... it was ruined when I received the razor in my opinion, but hey at least i tried. The gentleman who sold it to me gave me my money back because it didn't come shave ready and he said to keep it so it's not that big of a deal. I had a lot of fun failing on this razor! I LOVE RAZORS so much, had a blast with my new stones honestly. I want more blades in bulk! gold dollars rusty ebay blades with no scales, bring it on. Lets hope I can get them cheap!

Thank you for your kind words of consolation fellas! I feel I am at home with my new found passion and hobby!

Ambition is a good thing...well bridled. I too, like others have mentioned, was more ambitious than my skills allowed and ruined a blade or two. Learn as much as you can and those outcomes will diminish.

You need to realize that not everyone honed their razors. Some pasted a strop and beat on them for years.
That irregular wide, and rounded bevel is a sure sign. Hard to fix them. Some may be through the temper as well.
Fun to attempt, no doubt. We need easy success on occasion with which to shave the face, though!

A long time ago someone said something like great restorations start at the purchase.
A great candidate for restoration makes for a great restoration.

Originally Posted by RezDog

A long time ago someone said something like great restorations start at the purchase.
A great candidate for restoration makes for a great restoration.

Definitly did not know what I was doing when i bought that first one. And still don't, but i know to look for excessive hone ware now..

I have found that both honing and restoring razors is a continual learning experience. We learn from our mistakes and are better for it. Taking an old unloved razor and giving it new life is very rewarding. This is a wonderful hobby for sure. Remember, there is always someone here happy to pass on their knowledge and experience when needed. Have fun.