Thread: OK to ask for help here?

Mods, if this needs to be moved and/or I need to be scolded, by all means...

I'm trying to find out what I can about a razor I've picked up. I asked in other place on SRP, but haven't heard anything yet so I'm trying here -- REALLY sorry if this is no bueno.

I recently came across this Robeson, and I was wondering if any of you could tell me anything about it. Doesn't appear to me (complete NOOB) to be a hammered tang. On the backside it says "Sheffield Steel" and "Ground in Germany" while on the front it says "M.F. Robeson" and "Robeson's Best" on the blade. I'm going to be doing lots of research here to see if this is something that I can get shave ready or not. Appears to me that the toe has a slight beginnings of a smile? Am I wasting my time with this razor? I'm a bit of a pack-rat, especially when something could be kind of old. Can't stand the thought of it just sitting there not getting used, or worse, tossed in a garbage heap. Thanks for anything you might be able to fill me in on.
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If you ever think of throwing it out, just let me know.

Nothing wrong with smiling razors. Some people prefer a curved blade.
You have rust on the edge & the thing that will determine shave readiness is if you can hone past it to healthy steel.
Can't tell you any history on it, sorry.

It looks like that Robeson could clean up well and turn into a good little shaver. Unless the steel has deteriorated I think that's a good razor.

There it is!! I knew someone would find it after all this time! You picked it up... LOL
Anyway, the smile is consistent with the curve in the tang. It is proper to keep the edge bevel in the same perspective (if this is making sense). I have one as well that is curve tang AND edge, and shaves great!


There is some on the google search, and I'm sure holli4pirating will chime in here or others as well with a better explanation.

Originally Posted by Gibbs

There it is!! I knew someone would find it after all this time! You picked it up... LOL
Anyway, the smile is consistent with the curve in the tang. It is proper to keep the edge bevel in the same perspective (if this is making sense). I have one as well that is curve tang AND edge, and shaves great!

When you say "Tang" do you mean "spine"? It would make sense to me that the smile of the cutting edge would follow the smile of the spine. But the tang/monkey tail/part that sticks out on the other side of the hinge pin, is far more short and sharply curved.

--OR--

Do I have my razor anatomy wrong?

Originally Posted by ghostonthehorizon

If you ever think of throwing it out, just let me know.

I promise.

Originally Posted by Gibbs

There it is!! I knew someone would find it after all this time! You picked it up... LOL
Anyway, the smile is consistent with the curve in the tang. It is proper to keep the edge bevel in the same perspective (if this is making sense). I have one as well that is curve tang AND edge, and shaves great!


There is some on the google search, and I'm sure holli4pirating will chime in here or others as well with a better explanation.

Y'all think that this type of razor might be beyond a noob's abilities to try and tackle? Been watching quite a few vids re working on the stones, etc, but starting to wonder if this type of blade is maybe too difficult for me to start with (in terms of honing). Thanks again for the replies.

Originally Posted by BigJim

When you say "Tang" do you mean "spine"? It would make sense to me that the smile of the cutting edge would follow the smile of the spine. But the tang/monkey tail/part that sticks out on the other side of the hinge pin, is far more short and sharply curved.

--OR--

Do I have my razor anatomy wrong?

You're right. I'm wrong, what I meant was the spine. I should have gone to bed a while ago. Was up late last night buying a couple of nice Solingen razors (stealing) for about 12.00. So I need...

Originally Posted by Takezo

Y'all think that this type of razor might be beyond a noob's abilities to try and tackle? Been watching quite a few vids re working on the stones, etc, but starting to wonder if this type of blade is maybe too difficult for me to start with (in terms of honing). Thanks again for the replies.

I didn't have any problems, and I've only been honing about a couple of weeks. The razor edge will naturally follow along with that smiling spine and get you a decent bevel. I don't think your non-flat face will even notice that it is slightly curved either.

I need to add that Lynn, gssixgun(Glen) or some others are quite capable of getting it in shape if you don't feel up to the task. It might be well for one of them to work it over anyway, just to scope out the working edge for any micro nicks in the blade edge metal.