Restoration Project: Great Grandfather's Razor

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07-19-2012, 10:05 PM
linearone

4 Attachment(s)

Restoration Project: Great Grandfather's Razor

Geez, less than a week straight shaving and I am involved in a restoration? What's wrong with me? lol

Was speaking with my father today about straights and I asked him where MY grandfather's razor was. He said to me: "Razor? As in singular? Son he had MANY MANY razors and he kept them all in a roll your grandmother sewed together."

I had no idea. He and I set to look in the desks and drawers but to no avail. Hopefully I find them. Anyway he DID have my GREAT grandfather's (his grandfather's) ONLY razor.

Here are the pics.

Attachment 101681
Attachment 101682
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Attachment 101684

Here are some hi res versions:
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Anybody recognize the name or the writing? All I can read is hollow ground soligen 230 on one side and ESEW **ADO and something else i cant make out on the bottom.
Blade is dull but not warped, closes fine is still snug and no chips etc.
My father says GGF had this razor since at least the 20's 30's. My father was born in 43 and as early as he can remember he saw him using this. My father thinks its earlier.
I can only assume it has its original scales etc.

Questions:
1) Manufacturer look familiar to anyone?
2) Id love to date it, maybe even just roughly would be awesome. Is that possible by looking at the material of the scales, style etc?
3) My father and I want a full resto done. I am willing to pay. Thinking very hard about using this person.
Came highly recommended by whippeddog.com masonrazorworks.com | Wix.com you guys have any opinions?
07-19-2012, 10:28 PM
AndyPic

Did you have a look through the Straight Razor Database?
07-19-2012, 10:44 PM
thebigspendur

Looks like a smaller razor either 5/8s or 4/8s. It will take quite a bit of work and if you want a real restore to shave condition that rust will have to be removed and the edge inspected to determine its condition. Check out the vendors on our site we have some guys here who can work magic. In the end it might be better used as more a display piece. An evaluation will determine that.
07-19-2012, 10:45 PM
linearone

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyPic

Did you have a look through the Straight Razor Database?

thats seems nearly impossible for me. I tried. I do not understand how to pose a query to the data.
Looks confusing to me.
07-19-2012, 11:43 PM
linearone

3 Attachment(s)

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Looks like a smaller razor either 5/8s or 4/8s. It will take quite a bit of work and if you want a real restore to shave condition that rust will have to be removed and the edge inspected to determine its condition. Check out the vendors on our site we have some guys here who can work magic. In the end it might be better used as more a display piece. An evaluation will determine that.

Well the calipers say .602".. could this be a 5/8"? The dec. for 5/8" is .625. That is measuring total width. If I am measuring under the ridge of the spine to edge I get exactly .50 or 4/8. Perhaps it is a 4/8.
I cleaned the rust off with a bit of mildly abrasive compound and a rag. Don't want to destroy it.

Now the lettering says:

ESPMUADO? the M might be another letter, the U might be two L's.. hmmm

Attachment 101689 Attachment 101690

Back definitely says: Warranted hollow ground 230 soligen
Attachment 101691

I wonder what significance "230" is to the razor
07-20-2012, 10:18 AM
linearone

OK, problem solved. Sending to GSSIXGUN tonight for as much restoration as he can perform. Will update as he does.
07-20-2012, 12:35 PM
ajc347

That's a very nice family heirloom you've got there mate.

I'm really interested to see how it will turn out after restoration. :)
07-20-2012, 10:09 PM
linearone

Quote:

Originally Posted by ajc347

That's a very nice family heirloom you've got there mate.

I'm really interested to see how it will turn out after restoration. :)

Thanks! So am I. By the way, I know all the regulars here probably know this but JUST in case there are any newcomers like me out there, GSSIXGUN is a very nice guy who spoke to me at length last night about this project. He did not have to, he did so because he wanted to. We decided together that we will make this blade look as factory as possible, Not trying for chrome here. I also am not anywhere near knowledgeable about sharpening so I leave him to it as he will know what to do once it hits the stone. I have faith to trust him with my priceless family history (no pressure no pressure :) ) in putting the appropriate grind on it.

Can't wait to see it, got a while to wait but I'm sure from his pics the wait is worth it.