Thread: Good Deal?

Hi all, I'm new to the world of straight razors and I bought my first two for $42.00. One is as a Rich ABR Herder #20 looks to be in really good condition. The other is an A. Witte Gold Bug. I have a few questions to ask too. Where do I get replacement pins and scales? Also what should I use to get rid of the stains? Thanks very much for your input.

It looks as if you got a great deal there!!
As for your other questions, I can't answer them as I don't do restoration! Even my own razors I only do the minimum amount of work to make them useable!

They look good too me!
My advise is that if they are good enough for shaving, leave it alone for now, you don´t want to have half your rotation in maintenance.
There is enough time in the future

Thanks. I also forgot to ask if anyone knew what size of blades these are. Also after I get these things prepared for shaving what are the essentials needed for shaving. I'm on a tight budget as well so any input helping me in that area would be helpful. Thanks.

Originally Posted by flyboy

They look good too me!
My advise is that if they are good enough for shaving, leave it alone for now, you don´t want to have half your rotation in maintenance.
There is enough time in the future

+1 They are good deals but unless the pivot end has a crack and won't tighten why new scales ? Send them out to get honed or try to do it on you own if you are so inclined. To me they could be good shavers but not worth the expense of custom scales.

The Rich Herder is loose at the pivot end and swings open. Both blades have rust in the pivot ends and I wanted to take the blades off to clean them. I might just leave them alone and concentrate on getting them shave ready.

Nice pieces here, really good for $45. Did you already shave with them?

Al raz.

Lots of stuff to clean them, You may want to get Lynn's DVD. He goes over stuff like that, cleaning up old razors, plus a bunch of other stuff. it's a must have if your going to get into this. There is a polish available in Wal Mart called "MAAS"
It comes in a tube, I've also seen people use "Mothers" car polish, apply liberally, wipe off....

Tightening the pivot isn't difficult if you know what you are doing. Here is a tutorial on the topic. I generally just clean them up with something like Mass.

I use a Q-tip to apply it and wipe with paper towels. If the scales are grungy inside I use Scrubbing Bubbles and a toothbrush. I also flatten the end of a Q-tip and stick it in there and rub. The main thing for me is the shave.

I have to admit that I am getting to the point where I may start doing more polishing with a dremel and such but it is labor intensive and time consuming if the razor is pitted and like that.