Thread: Newbie with questions

[IMG]file:///C:/Users/David/Desktop/IMG_0354.JPG[/IMG]I have officially caught the bug, however I don't know what the heck I'm doing yet. I saw this razor (F.W. Engels) in a local antiques shop and decided to make my first used straight razor purchase. Can anyone provide me with any info about this razor (quality, history, value etc.)? I have attached images. Also is there any way to clean it up a bit? Thank you all in advance for your guidance and assistance.

Hi T@2D

That's a lovely blade. The blade itself looks like it's in wonderful condition. You mention just starting out, and it would be hard to recommend strongly enough that you send it out for professional honing. That's not to support vendors, and I don't hone except for my own blades - it's to give you the best shot at success and enjoyment of what should become a VERY fulfilling journey.

The vids, wiki & forums are unbelievable. Great help, great attitudes, and over the top patience w/ noobs like me. You'll need some other accessories like a strop, a brush, some cream or soap, and your aftershave of choice. You're about to have the best shaves of your life. The learning curve isn't short, and it won't be bloodless, but at 15 wks, I can't tell you how good it feels to get the basics down, and have a shave that often lasts 14 hours. That blade should be excellent, once brought to shave readiness. If you have concerns about the square tip (your ears getting nipped if you lose track of where the tip is), you can ask the person honing to mute the tip to reduce the chance of unplanned carnivorous activity.

I hope you have a wonderful time with it.

Love your screen name.

Great score, grats!

F W Engels "Special" in SRP wiki

Enjoy

Originally Posted by pinklather

it would be hard to recommend strongly enough that you send it out for professional honing.

+1. Send it to a honemeister. You'll find them listed in member services in the SRP classifieds. FWE is one of the premier Solingen razors IME and the Special was top of the line along with the Leader. You did well on that one.

Beautiful first blade and do yourself a favor and let an experienced person hone that baby for you. Great score on your purchase. Dave