Should I Restore My New Inherited Razor?

Hi guys,

I just inherited this new straight razor from my father-in-law. It's a "Barbers Choice" straight razor made by the Union Cutlery Company in Olean, N.Y. I've done some research on the blade and learned that the company also produced the Kabar knife (! - very cool) as well as the Spike line of razors. I have not been able to find anything about the "Barbers Choice" line, though.

The name indicates that it was probably their more 'utilitarian' line for use in barber shops and salons. Is this the case?

The blade is in pretty good shape, probably needs to be professionally honed and generally cleaned up, but that's all.

1. Is this a decent razor?

2. Is it worth restoring?

3. Does anyone know anything about this line of razors?

Thanks!

- Bryce

Photo needed.

Bryce-
I'd love to give you an answer, but the pictures aren't working for me...

Yes go head it is very nice condition. gl

I see the pictures fine but I am no one to listen to on razors lol

Sorry guys, I tried linking to the images in my public Google Picasa album but it didn't work out. I've uploaded the images as attachments - should be working now. Thanks!

- Bryce

Yeah, it looks pretty utilitarian, but it's completely restorable and should make for a great shave.

I'd just polish it up, blade and scales, hone, and ENJOY.
:gl:

I think it's worth it... don't know anything else about this particular razor, but looks like it will be a fine shaver.

Union Cutlery Company was large and well known American company. They began in Little Valley N.Y. in 1899 as Union Razor Co. The company name was changed to the Union Cutlery Company in 1909. In 1911, the move to Olean, N.Y. was started. The trademark "Ka-Bar" was first used in 1923. This marking became so popular that the name was changed to Ka-bar Cutlery about 1951. They are still in business under that name. In 1996, the Ka-Bar name and all trademarks were sold to the Alcas Cutlery Company of Bradford, Pennsylvania.
Trademarks: Spike, The Union, Ka-Bar, Walrus, Ruf N Tuf, Chin Scraber, Tack, Mag-Nam, Tidioute Razor Co.
Nice razor. And it isn't difficult to restore this razor.

Hi and welcome to SRP. Should be a good shaver. Some guys like to shine them up like a new dime. That is fine if you have the skill and the tools to do so. With a razor in that condition I would take metal polish and a paper towel and clean it up however good it gets and then hone it up and shave. If you are not an experienced honer your best bet would be to send it to someone who is. You can find a honemeister in the member services area of the SRP classifieds here.

Assuming you intend to take up straight razor shaving take a gander at the SRP Wiki beginner's guide here. Great info to get you started in the right direction. :gl:

Welcome to SRP.

Since it is a heirloom I would go the route a few mentioned above and just rub some metal polish on it like Mass or Flitz and have it honed. Be aware that honing a knife and honing a razor are different skills. The WIKI, as Jimmy mentioned is a great place to read some selected information about razors, honing and beginning shaving with a straight w/o searching through all of the posts. Once you get a background in razors search the old posts and ask questions.

I do intend to take up straight-razor shaving. I'll check out the resources listed and send the razor out to get professionally honed.

Thanks!

- Bryce