Thread: Newbie needs help with identifying razors

Hello,
I am just getting started learning the fine art of straight-edge shaving. Eleven years ago, I inherited 12 of my grandfather's straight razors. I've started to catalog them, and I will be taking photos soon, but can anyone tell me how old some of these may be? Am I recording the proper data? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I have his old strop as well, but it's probably not been used in 30+ years. Is it worth trying to recondition the leather?

Here's what I do know:
My grandfather was born in 1901.
I know in the 1970's he was no longer using these straight razors.
He was a Col. in the Army and was stationed in the Pacific (in case any of these were purchased on a base?)
They could also be his fathers as I also inherited many of my great-great grandfather's tools as well.

Here's my spreadsheet (Google doc) *this is a work in progress - not all fields are filled in*

Based on condition, my gut is telling me to start learning with the Bismarck - it's an elegant tool in great shape.

Thanks in advance-
Christopher

welcome to srp im sure members will be answering your questions very soon there are very knowledeable people here as far as the bismarck goes it is an excellent blade i have only been str8 shaving for a few weeks and my razor is a dovo red bismark full hollow ground and i love it i very rarely cut myself and am real happy with it

Originally Posted by CareForAPint

Hello,
I am just getting started learning the fine art of straight-edge shaving. Eleven years ago, I inherited 12 of my grandfather's straight razors. I've started to catalog them, and I will be taking photos soon, but can anyone tell me how old some of these may be? Am I recording the proper data? Any help is greatly appreciated.

I have his old strop as well, but it's probably not been used in 30+ years. Is it worth trying to recondition the leather?

Here's what I do know:
My grandfather was born in 1901.
I know in the 1970's he was no longer using these straight razors.
He was a Col. in the Army and was stationed in the Pacific (in case any of these were purchased on a base?)
They could also be his fathers as I also inherited many of my great-great grandfather's tools as well.

Here's my spreadsheet (Google doc) *this is a work in progress - not all fields are filled in*

Based on condition, my gut is telling me to start learning with the Bismarck - it's an elegant tool in great shape.

Thanks in advance-
Christopher

Welcome Christopher. Thanks for the information. I love hearing stories like this. It's a great thing passing along personal items from one generation to another.

The data you're getting is fine. I know I speak for most here, we love pictures. So if you could get on with that...<g>

Yeah, pick the razor that you consider is in the best shape, and that you like the best out of the group, send it off to one of the honemasters here, and in the meantime read up on technique.

As for that strop, I would say just keep it as a memento, and buy yourself a new one. They're inexpensive enough that it's a worthwhile investment. Plus you more than likely will get a nick or two on a strop while learning, and it's best to do it on one that has less sentimental value.

Pics Pics Pics !!!!! we want pictures please


Depending on condition???? you have some nice steel there....

12 razors, 8 boxes, detail shots of each...whew! I've got a LOT of work to do! I love pictures like these and so I just bought a new Nikon SLR. I'm trying to learn the ins and outs of the camera so I'll try to take some pretty detailed shots. Hopefully with the holidays coming up, I'll get something posted up here sooner rather than later! The Wade & Butchers steel is really hefty and quite impressive.

Cheers!