Still good enough to shave with?
My wifes grandma died before thanksgiving, so we went up their for the service. Long story short, her parents had cleaned out the house and sent us back with a bunch of stuff, one of the things being a Geneva straight that was her great grandfathers, and they gave it to me (its still sharper than hell). I took a few pictures and was wondering if the blade is to worn to hone and use.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...8/IMAG0104.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...8/IMAG0100.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...IMAG0101-1.jpg
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...8/IMAG0103.jpg
Here is a picture of the strop it was with.
http://i381.photobucket.com/albums/o...8/IMAG0105.jpg
Some TLC needed, but Lynn's very right
Gencos are incredible shavers. I'm probably unusual here, but I've enjoyed better shaves more consistenly w/ a Genco than most of the trophy names and models. An heirloom blade from your ancestor, very much deserves high quality restoration work. The frown shouldn't be hard to remove, but having it in near new condition from a bladesmith would give you more in pride (and great shaves) than the cost of the work. As Lynn mentions, there's meaning attached to such a razor - a connectedness to your roots and ancestry. Though many could do decent work, I think you'd be most happy w/ professional quality work. There are very capable guys that can do it in the vendor section. If you do so - pls post the pics. The loom strop could also be brought into usable condition - likely needing new leather. 'Sound like you have most of the ingredients for some really special shaves.