Thread: Im New And I Have a I-XL Geo.Wostenholm & Son Razor -It Was My Great Grandfathers

Hello Everyone,

I'm very new to the Straigh Razor scene if you will, and I wanted to start so I asked my grandfather. He never used one but he thought that he may have some of his fathers old razors in the attic. When he returned he handed me 4 razors, three of which were in ok condition but not usuable (I think???) and the other one was pretty rusted up bad. As I was looking at them, i found a KANNER and a I-XL Geogre Wostenholm & Son from Sheffield England .... I will try to attach photos of that one but will put up better ones if anyone can think they can help me out here lol. I really want to get into this but dont know if I should have this restored so i can use it or if i should keep it as is. I dont want to learn on this one because I know i would damage it. When i am comfortable with straight shaving I would like to be able to use my great grandfathers razor .... Any comments or questions?? Also I dont have a big budget by any means, so does anyone have some good suggestions for where I can purchase a razor/materials online? How good or bad is Vintage Straight Razors? I have looked at some of their stuff but I dont really know what Im looking at. I have been reading a bunch of stuff on here and have some basics down but dont know if it is worth it to buy this from them as a starter ... Vintage Straight Razor | Full Straight Razor Shaving Set For Under $50 Dollars | VintageStraightRazor.com


I Think it says ... Specially Made For M Mandoor Saiboo Singapore ???? or something like that

That razor has great possibilities. The black spots will likely never disappear completely and if they are too deep or still active they might have ruined the razor but there is a good chance you can polish those out and use the blade if there no intrusion down into the actual edge. One of the others you have might turn out to be a great shaver. I am willing to hone up to shave ready anything you have at present just to PIF.

Having someone restore a blade might break the budget and it is likely something you may wish to do later as you learn how.

The vendor you mentioned I personally would steer clear from.

If you look through the member's classified section here there are excellent values in vintages blades in all price ranges.

PM me and I will help in any manner I can to get you started. A razor and a strop, a brush and some soap will get you on your way and your budget can get that all done guaranteed.

It just keeps getting better.

Jim

Thank You For The Info, I will PM you when I get a chance soon .... also what does PIF mean??? kind of a newb on forums lol

PIF pay it forward.......smartly investing in the future good will of others by taking the first step in faith to offer freely goods and services which others need.

It happens a lot around here.

It just keeps getting better.

I agree that IXL has great potential. There appears to be rust in the edge but you could remove a heap of steel before you hit the stabilisers.
As for the seller you linked to, same advice as above. Steer clear.

That IXL should be a great shaver...all of mine are. It looks very restore-able to me with not too much effort. Since it has a good deal of sentimental value, I would check out some of the folks around here that do resto jobs... you won't be disappointed!

WP34