Thread: My Grandfather's Razor

My father never used this, but grandfather did. I received two. The one here that's pictured and other where that has a large chunk missing out of the blade.

I figure this was is around 1920's-40's??? Is that correct? I can only find the Hollow Ground, not extra hollow ground as this one is.

Will it every be shiny or will it have that black look to it? I don't think it is supposed to be shiny silver.

Other than a good honing and stropping before shaving, what needs to be done to this?

I live in Columbia, SC..anyone you can recommend nearby for honing?

Hone and strop and it will be ready to go, but a good cleaning would make both you and granpa proud!

BTW is that the one with the words "improved tang" stamped on the tail?

Morleys have a good reputation, Rick, so that shouldn't be a problem. If you'd like it shiny, there are certainly guys who could do that for you (check the "member services" section in the classifieds) or you could do it yourself with some sand paper, elbow grease and time.

It looks in generally good condition, as long as there are no cracks or things that don't show up in the photos...I imagine it'll be a fine shaver! Very nice to have your grandfather's razor, mate!

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Hone and strop and it will be ready to go, but a good cleaning would make both you and granpa proud!

BTW is that the one with the words "improved tang" stamped on the tail?

No sir, only thing stamped is on the blade "EXTRA HOLLOW GROUND"
FULLY WARRANTED

Then on what I'm guessing is the tail it is "W.H. Morely &Sons
Clover Brand
Germany

Isn't there a link to cleaning? I put a little metal polish on it...nothing.

Originally Posted by rickboone

No sir, only thing stamped is on the blade "EXTRA HOLLOW GROUND"
FULLY WARRANTED

Then on what I'm guessing is the tail it is "W.H. Morely &Sons
Clover Brand
Germany

Isn't there a link to cleaning? I put a little metal polish on it...nothing.

This is a good place to start.

One thing I try is starting with the highest grit sandpaper I have--2000 or 3000. See what it takes off....you might be surprised.

If it doesn't work, drop down a bit, 600 or 800.

If you want to get out heavy scratches or holes, you need to go down a lot--180 or 220. But this is getting into territory that your blade might not need.

A small investment in wet/dry automotive sand paper will help;300grit, 600 grit followed by 1000, 1500 and then 2000, and a good metal polish to follow it up, and dont forget the elbow grease.Start on the tail first to determine which paper is necessary to start with. Be careful of the wording of the blade, if its engraved(deep) in the metal you will be fine, if its simply etched(shallow) be very,very careful. Jim R gave some good advice.

Having never done this, I'd rather entrust it to someone that has.

You can polish the blade using a product called Flitz. It works very well and I have brought back some very tarnished and blackened blades to mirror finishes using this stuff. Use a micro fiber rag with this stuff, same for removal of polish. You do not need to be a pro to shine a razor, If your blade is pitted and rusted then that would be a way different issue, But I have used Flitz on blades worse looking than yours and they are now amazing in looks. Don't be afraid to use elbow grease either and take your time around the cutting side of the blade to avoid finger mishaps

Originally Posted by rickboone

Having never done this, I'd rather entrust it to someone that has.

I would suggest either Glenn or Max. Both are moderators on this site, so neither will step up to suggest themselves, but both are masters at restoration and honing.

Link to Glenn's SRP ad;
Honing & Restoration Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Link to Max's SRP ad;
vintage custom straight razors - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

If you have any questions as to why I recommended these two in particular, please PM me.

Check member services in the classifieds.