Thread: Geneva straight razor

Hello...I have a question about a straight razor, maybe someone could help me out. What I have is a straight razor that has a plain black plastic handle and the blade measures 9/16" wide. On the shank it says GENEVA CUTLERY CORP GENEVA, NY USA. And it also has a pyramid next to it with tiny numbers inside the pyramid that say 1903. Can anyone tell me about this straight razor? Seems to be in good shape, just needs a little cleaning up, doesn't seem to be very sharp. My grandmother used to use it to shave her 2nd husband. Have any knowledge of what this blade might be?

Thanx............. Oby1Khnoby

Try here in the wiki: Search results for "GENEVA CUTLERY" - Straight Razor Place Wiki

You seem to have the answers at hand. It is a Geneva Cutlery "Pyramid" model. Anything specific you wanted to know ? I can tell you they are awesome shavers

Thanx for the replies....I know little, if anything, about straight razors. I do have a couple questions....is 9/16" width a standard size? It seems like most razors are 5/8" of 6/8"...and what does 1903 in the pyramid mean? Is this the model number? This razor isn't very sharp, which makes me wonder if it has ever been sharpened. The edge on it is very narrow......I am looking forward to sharpening it so I can use it. Would it be better to send it out to have it sharpened somewhere?

Thanx.......Oby1Khnoby

Sizes could be different from 3/8 to 8/8 and more.
Used to be mostly people used 5/8.
number may be model number or number of razor.
will be better send someone pro to hone your first blade.
after getting razor make sure check the edge and see how sharp it is. that will help you on your future honing.
this is the member services in classified you can choose anyone you like.
Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

gl

Just to add the edge being very narrow may be a GOOD thing. It can indicate little wear. Definitely send it out

Thanx a lot for the replies...I appreciate the advice. I will definitely send it out. I saw a good idea in a different message....buy an old blade and practice on that one. I saw some blades for auction on E-bay that looked like junk for cheap...that might be a good place to start....

Thanx again!!

First, kudos to you for a very creative username!
Second, I've sent you an offer for cleaning and honing--feel free to take it or leave it.
Third and most importantly, when you say you want to get an old razor to practice on, do you mean for honing, or restoration, or shaving?

I ask because if the Geneva has sentimental value, then yes, you should set it aside and get all of your mistakes out of the way with another razor. I have repeatedly expounded that advice on this forum--do not learn anything with a razor that has sentimental value because beginner's have a habit of damaging their first razors.

On the other hand, learning how to shave with junk can also be detrimental. Too many people buy their first razor on eBay, be it a Sweeney Todd, or a Zeepk, or just an old dull razor, and are shocked to discover that the damned thing doesn't work!

If you get help from someone who knows what they are doing, you can buy an old $5 razor on eBay and get it honed and you can shave with that ONE razor for the rest of your life--IF you know what you are doing. That's where SRP comes in. Read what you can and if you have a question, ask it!

Thanx....what I meant was a used razor to practice honing on. I wouldn't want to use a junk razor to shave with, that's too dangerous, especially in my hand. I might even just keep this one and buy a good one. I have your offer and I appreciate it. Getting started in straight razor shaving isn't cheap. I'm going to keep it in my mailbox until I decide. In the meantime I'm doing a lot of reading and a lot of looking and a lot of wondering. Thanx a lot Utopian, I'll definitely keep you in mind.
Oby1Khnoby

Originally Posted by Oby1Khnoby

In the meantime I'm doing a lot of reading and a lot of looking and a lot of wondering.

That is an excellent plan. In the mean time, ask if any of that wondering leads to a question.