Thread: My first straight razors

Howdy guys.

So as I mentioned in my intro thread, I made the beginner's mistake of purchasing a few vintage razors on eBay before learning the ropes. I've since received all three razors and was hoping to get some feedback on what I've got and what sort of restoration job I have ahead of me.

I know I shouldn't have gone ahead and done the eBay thing just yet, but now that that's done, I'd like to make the best of what I've got.

The first is a Joseph Rodgers with an interesting steam boat engraved into the blade. I was initially most excited about this one but now fear this one is in the worst shape.




There's rust and some pitting and I guess the blade is what you call smiling. The pitting doesn't look very deep, but even so, I'm not sure if there's any way to restore it without ruining the ship. There is no "England" in the mark, so I'm guessing that makes it a bit older. I don't even want to get into the scales right now, because I'm so concerned with the blade.

Next up is this Genco. To my untrained eyes, the blade doesn't seem too bad, but I don't know...




...the scales look like crap (not pictured) and there are initials scratched in, but it was an impulse buy and I let that slide, even if it wasn't a smart move.

Finally, another Joseph Rodgers. This one has a feint England mark and is pretty plain, but looks in good shape to me. Plus, this one only cost me $8, which seems worth it.





Sorry for the bombardment. Any insight into any of these and what it might take to restore them would be much appreciated.

Thanks!
Tom

The first one is probably SS St Louis, the blade definately needs to be cleaned but the boat will definately go Bon Voyage. The Genco from what I can see in the pic has a consideravble frown, not a good thing. To confirm this please put a straight edge against the edge of the blade and see if there is a semicircular gap between the two. The third looks OK, it just needs a honing.

I dont wish to be rude, but for a little more money you couldve gotten a decent razor from the SRP classifieds, ready to go.

I agree with Kelly. That geneva looks sad, but you can make her happy again with a little work. Have fun.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

The first one is probably SS St Louis, the blade definately needs to be cleaned but the boat will definately go Bon Voyage. The Genco from what I can see in the pic has a consideravble frown, not a good thing. To confirm this please put a straight edge against the edge of the blade and see if there is a semicircular gap between the two. The third looks OK, it just needs a honing.

I dont wish to be rude, but for a little more money you couldve gotten a decent razor from the SRP classifieds, ready to go.

I know, I know But I realized that after I purchased these, so I can't undo that, sadly.

At any rate, thanks for the feedback. I put the Genco to a straight edge and it looks like the photo exaggerates the grown. It's very, very slight in reality. Sad about the boat, but I expected I'd probably have to lose it.

Well, these razors aren't the nicest I've seen, but they can become decent ones...

To get a good idea of the work to do, begin with a good cleaning : i usually use some light material for this : some "blanc d'espagne" or "pierre d'éclat" : I guess you can find the same in the states :


I apply it with a tissue or some very fine steel wool (000).

so you'll take the biggest part of rust. Stay careful on the boat etching, you may save it, if you don't wan't to go to miror finish...

If I were you, i'll start with the third, it seems to be the easiest,

then the first (the smile is not a big issue : some frameback have similar blades, and gives good shaves)

and the second at last : the frown will require some work on the stone to be reduced : you could try to shave with a frown (the former owner certainly did it...) but not without experience...

Goog work and good shaves!

Hmm. I'm definitely rather preserve the etching than have a mirror finish. To me, it appears the blade isn't even supposed to have a mirror finish. I couldn't get it to come across in the photo and still have the boat visible, but the boat actually has a pretty reflective finish where it's not rusted over. I imagine there would be no contrast and thus no boat if the rest of the blade matched that.

...and I'm with you on the third one looking to be the easiest. I'll probably work on this one and then see to the other two.

Yes that could be good, i presume...

As you, I think patina should remain on old blades, I consider it as a part of history...

I mean, wet I find great with using old blades, is to use something that is four, five, or more older than me... I don't need it to look brand new to impress me...

If there's rust over the steam boat you may find the etching isn't there anymore anyway.. I''m semi documenting my first experience restoring a straight on this thread:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...up-myself.html

done in conjuction with the following wiki articles:

Hand sanding a blade - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Un-pinning and re-pinning a razor - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Hoping someone will find it useful, possibly as a blow by blow account.

Originally Posted by tom9d

Hmm. I'm definitely rather preserve the etching than have a mirror finish. To me, it appears the blade isn't even supposed to have a mirror finish. I couldn't get it to come across in the photo and still have the boat visible, but the boat actually has a pretty reflective finish where it's not rusted over. I imagine there would be no contrast and thus no boat if the rest of the blade matched that.

...and I'm with you on the third one looking to be the easiest. I'll probably work on this one and then see to the other two.

You are correct about the mirror finish, most finish are a high luster rather than mirrored. Give it a try maybe it can be saved. Good luck and Have fun!