Thread: FAIR TRADE RAZORS; straight razors from India

Buy a vintage razor from a reputable dealer. The classifieds here are good and/or, if you're in Europe, there are other options. Get a razor that is ready to shave with. This is the starting point. Once you shave with one that's good then you know what you're aiming for when you start restoring for yourself. Honestly, do not skip this step.

Originally Posted by AlanII

Buy a vintage razor from a reputable dealer. The classifieds here are good and/or, if you're in Europe, there are other options. Get a razor that is ready to shave with. This is the starting point. Once you shave with one that's good then you know what you're aiming for when you start restoring for yourself. Honestly, do not skip this step.

A HUGE plus one on this! If there was a big fat '+1' button I would press it for this post. Several times.

+1

Thank you guys!!

I'm from Holland by the way and I'll try to find a reputable dealer for a vintage razor!!

Originally Posted by wr1l

Thank you guys!!

I'm from Holland by the way and I'll try to find a reputable dealer for a vintage razor!!

The Invisible Edge based in the UK, I can vouch for. Their service over the channel is excellent. There are alternatives, I'm sure others will chip in.

Wow, thanks!!

I'll probably order from Introduction to razors

Could you guys make a suggestion on which particular razor I could order best? I have thick hear (I can't use a regular Gillette blade for more than one time since I start shaving my head)! I'd like to use it 2 times a week and a good grip (on a broad scale) would be preferable.

PS. My uncle works in a metal factory. I hope I can call him tomorrow to ask if it's possible to fabricate a razor for me. (I have a piece metal I could use for it perhaps). Tips concerning this are also quite welcome!

Thanks in advance!!!

Originally Posted by wr1l

Wow, thanks!!

I'll probably order from Introduction to razors

Could you guys make a suggestion on which particular razor I could order best?

Good choice going there. I have heard only good stuff about TIE and have had great products from them.

Originally Posted by wr1l

I have thick hear (I can't use a regular Gillette blade for more than one time since I start shaving my head)! I'd like to use it 2 times a week and a good grip (on a broad scale) would be preferable.

As long as you get a good quality razor then this will be a matter of keeping it well honed.

Originally Posted by wr1l

PS. My uncle works in a metal factory. I hope I can call him tomorrow to ask if it's possible to fabricate a razor for me. (I have a piece metal I could use for it perhaps). Tips concerning this are also quite welcome!

Having a custom made for you is always great, particularly if it is a family member or someone close to you. I would warn you however that the razor would best be made of particular metal such as carbon steel. You would also need to take care to make sure that the blade is properly aligned in the scales. Speak to a razor restorer on this site if you want to continue down this road.

Hi there,

(Thanks again to all the people that helped me.)

I now have 5 vintage razors (for 50 Euro's (no S&H)) from marktplaats.nl).

I've made some pictures and put them online: Flickr: WR1L's Photostream

Does anyone know:
- what the best is way to clean them?
(I've thought of leaving the razors in some hot water with baking soda or something).
- what I need if I want to use them?
(I'm thinking of a strop on a board - I can't find one on marktplaats.nl though - could I perhaps make one myself? I have some leather at home, but I'm not sure if it's useful).

Thank you in advance!

Regards,
Wichal

Originally Posted by wr1l

Does anyone know:
- what the best is way to clean them?
(I've thought of leaving the razors in some hot water with baking soda or something).
- what I need if I want to use them?
(I'm thinking of a strop on a board - I can't find one on marktplaats.nl though - could I perhaps make one myself? I have some leather at home, but I'm not sure if it's useful).

To be honest, I wouldn't try water with baking soda. Carbon steel generally does not like water. I think wiki is good place to start read up on the restoration, though I'm sure the restoration gurus will comment for you.

I have used 0000 steel wool with oil/polishing stuff.

For some reason, I can't open the large version of your pictures. Based on the smaller pictures, I'd say that you might be able to clean them without doing any real sanding and polishing, which is always required if there is anything more than very superficial corrosion on the razor.
Get some Peek Polish (Peek Polish - Home). It's easily to come by in the Netherlands (you are in the Netherlands, right?) You could rub the razor with Peek and a rag, or for more serious cleaning, you could use very fine ("000") steel wool instead of the rag. It also works well on scales.
Think twice before using sandpaper, unless you know what you are getting into. I often see razors with nasty scratches. Some people reach far too easily to sandpaper. Even 220 grit sandpaper, which is considered "very fine" for painting purposes, can do ugly things on a razor. Handsanding a razor is a very time consuming process that takes patience and knowledge. The latter can be found in the wiki: Hand sanding a blade - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Best regards,
Bart.

Thank you guys!

I'm not sure if the baking soda will be harmfull.
Anyway, if there are other suggestions they're more than welcome.
I've just e-mailed the guys from Peek Polish.
I want to know what's in their product.

Anyway, isn't there a natural way to clean them?
With vinegar or something?

I (still) would like to know if:
I could make my own strop on a board?
If it's wise to get a vintage strop on a board somewhere?
And, if all strops are made with leather?

Thank you in advance!