Thread: Obie's Workshop: Lord Help Us! (Update 1)

Gentlemen,

In my pilgrim's stumbling around a flea market and an antique store last week I came across a razor called Crown & Sword. Apparently this was the top straight razor brand by the ERN Manufacturing Co. in Wald-Solingen, Germany. The company was founded by Carl Friedrich Ern in 1873.

The razor has its emblem of a crown over the bend of a simitar in a raised image on the scales, and also embossed on the shank with the number 1720 next to it. There is some tarnish on the blade, shank and tang, but the scales are in good condition. I see some microscopic pitting on the edge, which means, I suppose, there will be some grinding involved. The razor is 5/8" round point.

I'll try to provide before and after pictures once I proceed with my first attempt at trying to give some life to this razor. I am sure I have to find an expert to work on repairing the blade.

First, I'll try to clean and polish the blade, shank and tang as well as I can with Moss. A good washing in soap and water should take care of the sanitation. Then some alcohol on the metal parts. Finally I'll oil the hinges so that we don't start rusting.

Any suggestions, gentlemen? Do I have my sequence right? Thanks.

Regards from the Master Craftsman,

Obie

Hi Obie,

I have one Crown & Sword razor and it is one of my favourites. Good shaver that keeps the blade for good time.
Now what you have to do with the blade depends of the conditition you got it. Start with mild cleaning and do not get to the ultimate sanding before you are sure it really needs to. Go easily and do not take any pressure with this: instead see it as a good way to use your valuable time. At least for me working with old razors. knives, axes and handtools, etc are relaxing, sort of therapeutic work, something to do on my own time for myself.
And please share the pictures with us.

Don't get too carried away with any 'grinding'. Microscopic pitting wont require that much. You probably will just need to reset the bevel on a 1k stone.

Otherwise, your steps for cleaning it up sound appropriate. Watch your finger tips when rubbing the blade. Thumbs too.

Oh, yeah. Don't rush anything. Take your time.

Obie,

Sounds like you made a great find! As was said, take your time, and be very careful

I know you said there was micro pitting on the edge. Do you mean on the bevel?

Would love to see a before picture to see what you're up against

Good Luck!

My dear Rob,

I will photograph the razor this weekend and post the photo sometime next week before I start my masterwork on the blade.

I will post other pictures of my little shaving kingdom here, including my modest and simple straight razor rack — which is a converted smoking pipe rack. I am still having trouble following the instructions on how to post photos in the forum. I know, I know, when it comes to computers, I'm as dense as a week-old stubble. I had some instructions on posting pictures, but I don't know what I did with them.

The pitting is on the bevel, yes, sorry. Perhaps a good honing will take care of it. I'll see. Either way, this is an attractive razor. I can't wait till I start work on it next week. This weekend I am going shopping for some equipment.

Many thanks.

Regards,

Obie