Thread: To Hone or Not To Hone

I have a Vintage Trenton Celebrated Hollow Ground SR that belonged to my Great-Great Grandfather. From what I can find the razor was produced in 1906, the last year this razor was made under the name Trenton Cutlery Co. I have used it off and on for a few years and have considerd getting it honed. I do not plan on selling it, but was curious if it would be better to keep in it's current condition, have it honed, or fully restored.
The razor has no pitting or rust, opens very nicely, and the scales are in wonderful condtion. The razor is a bit discolored from age. It was stored for a long time without any oil or vaseline on the razor. This razor has more sentimental value to me than monetary, but I am torn as to what to do with it.

I would leave it as is, for sentimental reasons. I would put a thin coat of oil on it and put it on display in some fashion. The problem with honing is that the more the old razor is handled, the more likely it is to be damaged in some way. It is more valuable as a family heirloom than it is as a razor IMO.

Originally Posted by LERigney

I have a Vintage Trenton Celebrated Hollow Ground SR that belonged to my Great-Great Grandfather. From what I can find the razor was produced in 1906, the last year this razor was made under the name Trenton Cutlery Co. I have used it off and on for a few years and have considerd getting it honed. I do not plan on selling it, but was curious if it would be better to keep in it's current condition, have it honed, or fully restored.
The razor has no pitting or rust, opens very nicely, and the scales are in wonderful condtion. The razor is a bit discolored from age. It was stored for a long time without any oil or vaseline on the razor. This razor has more sentimental value to me than monetary, but I am torn as to what to do with it.

I would start with a proper stropping, then try the handing hair and try shaving with it. If it passes the HHT, and the shave feels good, I would think you do not need to hone it.
The issue around restoration is really a personal decision. If it has sentimental value and you are planning on keeping it and using it there is no reason you couldn't keep and use it in it's current condition. The discoloration(patina) doesn't affect anything. In fact some people like it because it adds character and gives it the old look. At a minimum you could simply apply some mineral oil to help preserve the blade in it's current condition.

Originally Posted by Maskwa

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The issue around restoration is really a personal decision. If it has sentimental value and you are planning on keeping it and using it there is no reason you couldn't keep and use it in it's current condition.
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+1
If it has sentimental value as it keep it lightly oiled and enjoy as it is.
If it is a good shaver as is and you want a shaver keep it as it is and hone it up.
Or not -- this is a personal choice no bad answer topic.

Originally Posted by LERigney

I have used it off and on for a few years and have considerd getting it honed. I do not plan on selling it, but was curious if it would be better to keep in it's current condition, have it honed, or fully restored.

As one of the few people that actually accept heirloom restores, first I would ask is there any active rust??? if no then leave the blade alone..

Do the scales function, and are they is good shape?? If yes they leave it alone...

The one thing that I do question is perhaps your terminology in the above statement first you say you have been using it but than you ask if it should be honed so I am a touch confused there... If you are shaving the razor it should need minimal honing back up to shave ready...

That being said there is inherent risk to working on any razor and that should be considered seriously before starting any work on the razor...

Totally agree with Glen. I usually try to preserve the scales on the heirlooms, but you have to be very careful with them. I do find that a lot of times a nice polish and trying to stop the rust if any, goes a long way with a honing. Many times a cleaning and buffing of the scales will look mo better too.

have fun,

Lynn

Originally Posted by gssixgun

As one of the few people that actually accept heirloom restores, first I would ask is there any active rust??? if no then leave the blade alone..

Do the scales function, and are they is good shape?? If yes they leave it alone...

+1. I'd say leave it alone if it's in good shape.

If you have a picture of the blade, post it here. I started with an heirloom blade that I wasn't sure what to do with. After some PMs, I sent it out to Glen and the only thing he did was clean and tighten the pivot and hone it up. It's now a great shaver that I only use on special occasions.

Originally Posted by gssixgun

The one thing that I do question is perhaps your terminology in the above statement first you say you have been using it but than you ask if it should be honed so I am a touch confused there... If you are shaving the razor it should need minimal honing back up to shave ready...

I guess I should have been more clear. I have used my Dubl Duck primarily over the years. I used the Trenton on rare occasions and I got a nice close shave. For the past month or so I have been using it daily. I like the feel of it better than my Dubl Duck. So naturally it is beginning to lose it's edge. I hope this has help make this a little bit easier.

Yeppers sure does
Sounds like she needs a tune up and that is about it...