Thread: Straights .... The Final Frontier

Trivia question: What famous starship captain had an ancestor from the 20th century (or maybe 19th) who manufactured straight razors? Answer: None other than James T. Kirk! Check it out.



I bought this razor from eBay and found it to be as sharp as a popsicle stick. That's OK. I paid very little and bought it more for the novelty than anything else. But then I showed it to someone who offered hone it for me. With apologies, he gave it back and said he couldn't do anything with it. I sent it off to Utopian who has honed for me before and done a great job. He kept me apprised of his progress, finally saying he got it to shave but he wasn't happy with it and he'd like to show it to Lynn for advice. Let's see, have him bring it to arguably the #1 honemeister in the country? Well, that's a no-brainer. Lynn gave him some advice (thanks, Lynn) and he brought it home and worked on it some more. I got the razor back yesterday and shaved with it this morning. As ugly as the razor may be, it gave me a super shave! No pulling, no irritation, no nicks. Just a smooth and quick shave (aoubt warp 3). Oh, and while shaving, I found a nice long hair of my wife's in the sink. I couldn't resist. Yeah, it passed no problem. Thanks, Utopian.

Originally Posted by leadduck

Trivia question: What famous starship captain had an ancestor from the 20th century (or maybe 19th) who manufatured straight razors? Answer: None other than James T. Kirk! Check it out.

Well he is Number One, Even to a Picard

Great find,are those bone scales? I need some help sometimes with trouble razors and still learning. With Utopian and Lynn iam sure its a mighty fine shaver.

Originally Posted by nessmuck

Great find,are those bone scales?

That would be my guess. At first, I thought they were horn, but they're much too opaque.

Hi leadduck, Interesting read. I'm curious to know what kind of problem would give experienced gentlemen such a hard time? It would help me to know when to run away from a razor.

Good to hear from you, Woodchuck. The razor seems to have had multiple problems. After getting Utopian's and Lynn's feedbck, I actually wonder if it were ever meant for shaving in the first place.

As I understand it, the 5/8 wedge required taping and the tape extended into the belly of the blade, preventing it from setting a proper bevel. To correct it, the spine had to be straightened and multiple layers of tape were required. The previous honer was just wearing down the surface of the blade and never really got to the edge.

Lynn, who did some honing on it as well, suspects that attempts were made to hone it on a wheel.

If I've misinterpreted any of Utopian's explanation, mybe he can respond with more accurate and detailed information. All I know is that my blade which was duller than a butter knife, now shaves like a charm.

It sounds like you found the right person to help you out with this. The more I drag a razor across a hone, the more respect I have for those who do it well. Enjoy the razor in good health sir.

Actually, there were so many manufacturers and retailers who had their names on blades that I'd be willing to bet just about everybody can find their name on a blade. I know I did with my last name and it ain't common.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Actually, there were so many manufacturers and retailers who had their names on blades that I'd be willing to bet just about everybody can find their name on a blade. I know I did with my last name and it ain't common.

Point well noted.

I have a McCoy razor I call "Bones"

Thats a great find!

Anyone have a Spock razor?