Thread: When does a razor require a regrind?

I ask because I picked up a vintage boker king-cutter today that I purchased online from someone local for $3.25. The blade appears to be in good condition overall - no rust, no pitting, slight patina on the tang - however it is no longer straight. It is true when laid on either side, but the edge itself has been honed to a wave.

I have not tried to shave with it yet. I'm trying to decide if I should:

1) Strop it and give it a go
2) Hone it, strop it and give it a go
3) Hone it to straight, strop it and give it a go
4) Send it to someone with better skills than I for honing
5) Get it reground, hone it, strop it and give it a go

Suggestions?

Originally Posted by dirknibleck

I ask because I picked up a vintage boker king-cutter today that I purchased online from someone local for $3.25. The blade appears to be in good condition overall - no rust, no pitting, slight patina on the tang - however it is no longer straight. It is true when laid on either side, but the edge itself has been honed to a wave.

I have not tried to shave with it yet. I'm trying to decide if I should:

1) Strop it and give it a go
2) Hone it, strop it and give it a go
3) Hone it to straight, strop it and give it a go
4) Send it to someone with better skills than I for honing
5) Get it reground, hone it, strop it and give it a go

Suggestions?

I think regrinding is reserved for razors that have a heavier grind and have extra material to spare. I think careful honing could straighten it out. I think you should progress through the steps you mentioned starting at #2, as i'd bet dollars to donuts it's not shave-ready and needs to be honed first

The real question is does it still have a complete bevel on it or is most of it gone. If it still has one it should be able to be evened out with honing. regrinding is a real 800lb gorilla approach to a problem. It may take some work with the 1K hone but it can probably be done. Hard to tell without a picture though.

I think that the bevel still looks good.

Photo's can be found here:

http://paulandeveline.smugmug.com/gallery/3561622

Going to see if # 2 worked...

It can be done without regrinding it. The edge has alot of wear and is uneven but can be done with a 4K or 1K. Probably some circular honing to even things out and then you'll have to reestablish the bevel.

Well, first shave went well. It's still wavy, but the bevel seems ok. A lot sharper than my Dovo. I'll try the circular honing in a few weeks...

I had a razor that was like this, although not quite so bad.
I managed to get it shaving very well, and fully straightened it in the end.
I posted about 6 months ago on it
http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=10330

Now I think about it, it took a lot less work than I have had to put into some wedges I have tackled, and I only had 1500 grit paper and a norton at the time. Now I would use a 1k stone for it instead.
Hope it helps