Thread: Found in Flea Market... Ok what do I have and are they worth restoring

I picked these up at a Flea Market in Toronto Ca I know about the two Bokers one has broken scales.I would like to know about

#1 Has on the tang BENG does anyone know anything about this razor







#2 Is Joseph Hollinger on the front and the word SHEFFIELD on the back
the blade has a little rust in the edges






#3 Is an ARSA seems to be in ok shape I guess




#4 are two BOKERS one has broken Scales the one that has intact scales has a small chip on the tip of the blade




Any information would be appreciated one last thing what would the ballpark or average cost to have razors in this shape restored. Finally if anyone could speculate on whether or not they would be worth restoring, and by that I mean would they be good shavers

Thanks
V/r
D

First one is a Bengall. There's a nice razor club dedicated to them here:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-brothers.html

Judging by the photos I'd say that they could all be good shavers. As for restoration, you really have to decide what sort of restoration you want. Send a few PMs to the guys listed in member services for ballpark numbers and some ideas. Check out The Gallery and you'll see all sorts of different styles and materials.

#1 is a Bengall (if you look really close you can just barely make out the A, L, and L). I believe they're somewhat common. Haven't used one myself but, unless I'm mistaken, I believe they're supposed to be a pretty decent razor - a quick search for 'Bengal' will provide you with a plethora of threads containing more info...

Although I do recall seeing the names before I don't know the slightest thing about the Hollinger or Arsa, so afraid I can't be of any help with #2 and #3.

As for #4, Bokers are a very well known, respected brand of razor. Again, a search on 'Boker' will provide you with a TON of threads containing info about them.

So long as none of them have any cracks in the blades (don't see any but a little tough to tell in the pics) I'd say all of them are worth of a good cleaning and any needed scale repairs/replacement. We're not talking any hundred dollar razors in the bunch but all five should make for really good shavers.

Bengalls are a great Sheffield razor, Bokers are great German razors. You'll lose the gold wash on the Bokers if you do anything really (unless you just work around the gold), and if there is pitting you may have to lose the faint etch under the gold (unless you work around it...).

IMO, just give them all a light cleaning or use them to play with restoration techniques. Hone them up and shave with them. I'm sure they will all be great shavers (haven't met a vintage blade that gave me a shave I didn't like).

You did very well! I would love to run across a group like that. Just clean them up, repair/replace any scales that need it then hone them up and enjoy.
All are good quality vintage razors.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

IMO, just give them all a light cleaning or use them to play with restoration techniques. Hone them up and shave with them.

Yet another +1. As holli4 said a light cleaning and have them honed up is all I would do. Get a set of replacement scales on the one Boker. I use Scrubbing Bubbles (the pump spray) to clean grunge out of the scales. Take Q-tips and hammer the ends to get inside them. Dental floss is good to get around the pivot if you aren't unpinning. Metal polish such as Maas, Semichrome or Flitz on a paper towel to clean the blades. Beyond that go to the Workshop forum and the SRP Wiki restore articles for more advanced techniques. Those are the type of razors I looked for to learn to hone. Good catch.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I use Scrubbing Bubbles (the pump spray) to clean grunge out of the scales.

What a great idea! I love it when members pass on cool tidbits like this - thanks!

I vote for just cleaning them up and getting them honed for use.

Yes I think I will just have them cleaned and sharpened