Thread: First Blade, Confusion and Mystery.

Hey everyone,
My name's Josh. I'm totally new to the forum as well as straight razors, I know absolutely nothing about them except that you shave with them, they're sharp as hell, and they're awesome. Looking forward to learning as much as I can from everyone!

Alright, so, my problem:
While antiquing in Paeroa (New Zealand) I noticed a couple of straight razors and decided to buy one as I've always wanted to give it a go and try one out. I was really happy with my blade until a quick google revealed I had bought a razor that didn't match the box. Bummer.

I have a Gotta Razor box.. but my handle isn't marked with 'gotta' nor the blade. knife is about a 10 cm blade. The one I purchased is much smaller and leaner than the others I had to choose from. The blade itself has "42 Garanti - Par" engraved on one side and a worn out logo on the other. I'm sure that Garanti is french for guarantee - like a warranty? making it french? The Logo is an oval maybe five letters, ending in an O, but it could be a serial number sor something? My handle feels like a slender sliver of bone, but that doesn't mean thats what it is. It's unmarked except for "1615F' crudely scratched into the side.

Sorry there is not much to go off, basically, I have no idea what I'm dealing with. Links below are pictures of my razor. If anyone could help me out with any aspect of this problem it would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/p...4/IMG_0110.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/p...4/IMG_0113.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/p...4/IMG_0115.jpg

http://i401.photobucket.com/albums/p...dxco1_1280.jpg

The razor not matching the box isn't such a worry, they often don't

french.. Could be a grelot or TI? what you think guys EDIT: I said this based on your description but looking at the pics, i just don't know. somebody here wll be able to help you out though. as long as it's french, german, british or american, the quality should be fine.

It looks like a 4/8 or smaller, wonder did it start like that or has it been honed down.

By the way do not shave with that until you've had it honed by someone either on this forum or who knows how to work with straight razors, and if you really want to take up straight shaving, read thru the wiki and forum extensively. There's much more to this than picking a raxor up in an antique shop and going at it. When i say much more, i mean in a thoroughly enjoyable way, but it all requires skill and patience to get the most from it

Welcome to SRP, Josh.
I thoroughly concur with what tekbow has to say.
As someone who has made most of the mistakes that newbies make, I can only suggest that you also spend lots of time reading the posts and advice of the more senior members here.
Most importantly, enjoy the ride.
Cheers,
Geoff
PS. Nice looking blade too.

Both LeGrelot and Thiers Issard were made in Thiers, France, and I've never seen one stamped Paris. It looks like a generic French blade to me. I'm a big fan of French razors so I reckon that with a gentle clean and a hone, it will be a great shaver.

That blade was I believe orig a 4/8 (see the 7 day below) these are all marked as yours.
They are wonderfull,easy to use razors,have it honed and give it a try.

Oh WOW!!! I would love a set like this. Maybe one day

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

That blade was I believe orig a 4/8 (see the 7 day below) these are all marked as yours.
They are wonderfull,easy to use razors,have it honed and give it a try.

Wow! What a nice set and beautifully displayed. Thanks for sharing.

Wow! Thanks so much everyone for the help!
I'm glad to know that the blade is something I can work with but I'm not putting anywhere near my cheeks just yet,
I've got a lot of learning to do before then! plus I don't have a strop right now.
Thanks again for the help and welcome,
Ill repost on the thread in a while when I get it honed a bit better and give it try!
but for now, I'm just going to keep lurking and learning.
Cheers!