New, 2 razors ID, and questions.

I recently attended a small presentation where I was introduced to the idea of using a straight. I had one at home that I had picked up as a teen because it was 'cool'. I get home and find it and also order one off Ebay. $25 between the two, seems like a great start. But I would like to find out as much as I can about them.

The first is similar to this ERN Wald Germany Vintage Shaving Straight Razor 412 Hollow Ground Crown Sword | eBay . While I did get mine form ebay, I didn't pay that and mine has a barber's notch, but all the other marking are identical. Can anyone give me an idea of how old it might be? Quality? There is some pitting but I think it cleaned up nice for someone like me who is completely new to straights.

The second razor is a beau brummel wedge that was in great shape to begin with (IMO) and I thought about making this the first one I use. Same thing on this one, Just looking to find out it's age, quality, etc. I have read one or two post on here that say it is a good razor, but still wanting to know more about it.

Both of these blade need the same thing, to be honed, I actually have 2 pocket knives that shave hair better than these two do in their current state. I would feel much more comfortable having someone else hone them, but I'm at a lose as to where to have it done. Is there a particular local business type that I could contact? or is there a member here that provided the service and some of you might recommend.

The last thing I would like to ask, and I may very well be committing blasphemy by asking such a question, but has anyone ever tried/considered using a bluing agent, like prema blue, on a blade? If it does not destroy the blade, that is.

Well, thanks for taking the time muddle though this. I look forward to any advice or comments any of you might have.

We need pictures.

Here are the brummel pictures, I already had them from email. I will have to wait and post the ERN pictures a bit later.
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Sorry about the size, but I wanted to try to make sure there was enough detail.

I have a Beau Brummel. It was one of my first razors. I still have it and seldom use it because it is only a 4/8 but it is a really good razor. Came from a barber who used it for years and loved it. Mine takes an excellent edge.

I've got a couple, maybe a few Brummels. One is a wedge identical to yours except mine has the swirly celluloid scales with the logo embossed on them. They made a very good razor. Equal to the dubl ducks and what have you. IME the wedge was a chore to hone but mine had an ever so slight frown I had to work out. A very nice razor once made shave ready though. Ern was a real good maker too.

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

mine has the swirly celluloid scales with the logo embossed on them.

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Mine is the same, they are dark blue with a light blue swirl, but There is on much you can see. One side looks almost solid and the other side, with the embossing, has a bit more, but I didn't get a photo of that. Here is the ERN I have. When I first got it, it was completely orange on one side. It has cleaned up, but really needs to be honed, while it is sharper then the bremmel, it is not shave ready.
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Both look great. There is only even hone wear, no frowning and barely any rust at all.

You don't need to blue any of them. Keep them clean and let them sit partially open after use and they won't rust. If you don't know how to hone, and don't have the stones needed for that, send them out to any of the members here who offer honing services. You won't regret that!
I'd personally recommend Howard Schechter from The Perfect Edge. He knows how to get a blade REALLY sharp, and polishes them to finish with a 30,000 grit stone. You take one of the blades Howard has honed and it'll glide through hair like a hot knife through butter.

The Perfect Edge | For all your sharpening/honing supplies

Thanks scott. I asked about bluing because I have always liked the look of blued steel. But I have no intention on doing this to either of these. It was just a question out of curiosity. I will look at your recommendation about the honing. Thanks again.