Thread: Found my first razors

A few days ago Wifey and I browsed two antique stores and I could not believe what i found in the second store, Seven STR8s for $10 a piece.

P1010321_zps9d0539b8.jpg photo by 1kenzie2 | Photobucket

If this link works, starting at the top is a
no name razor, Joseph Rogers and Sons, Yankee Cutlery - Lion Brand I beleive w/bone scales, Ylollingers Special, The Winner Germania Cutlery, The last two are a Double Duck and a Burrell Cutlery - Ellicotville N.Y.
The Double Duck blade is worn quite a bit. Of course all need to be honed so guess I'll be starting to learn to do that pretty soon. I could not find any info on the Ylollinger's Special. Any info would be appreciated
OOOOps. Looks like I posted the wrong picture but at least you can see the condition of the straights.

FWIW --

It sounds like you have no razor-honing experience. Razor honing is a tricky skill, and you don't want to be frustrated, trying to shave with dull razors, while you learn it.

If this were my find -- and it _is_ a find -- I'd take _one_ razor (probably the Joseph Rogers, or the Dubl Duck if it's in good shape) and send it out for honing. That will give you a standard for "sharp".

Work on the rest of them yourself, starting with the one in worst condition -- there's one that looks like the end was chipped, and then repaired.
There's lots of shaving left in those blades!

. Charles

Nice score for $10 bucks apiece. Hard to tell from the photo, but it appears 5 of them are in relatively excellent condition. The store owner is probably happy with the deal as well thinking they would never sell, I mean who actually uses straight razors anyways?

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

FWIW --

It sounds like you have no razor-honing experience. Razor honing is a tricky skill, and you don't want to be frustrated, trying to shave with dull razors, while you learn it.

If this were my find -- and it _is_ a find -- I'd take _one_ razor (probably the Joseph Rogers, or the Dubl Duck if it's in good shape) and send it out for honing. That will give you a standard for "sharp".

Work on the rest of them yourself, starting with the one in worst condition -- there's one that looks like the end was chipped, and then repaired.
There's lots of shaving left in those blades!

. Charles

Good advice, I have already started doing just that. I know the picture is not that good but all blades were in good order, except for the double duck. No nicks in that blade just 1/2 a smile. I do know what a good shave ready razor is, having had one done for me. Also having worked with my hands most of my life I dont see what all the hub-bub is to sharpening a razor. Even Lynn has said that anyone can do so with a little practice. True, technique is the order of the day and I am sure most of us only want to maintain our own equipment, for our own satisfaction and have no intention to become a professional honemeister. IMO I beleive that all the mystery built up on this web site about honing, may make some apprehensive to even try to tackle the job. I agree with you about the Joseph Rogers, it will be sent to a professional for a proper honing and most likely the Yankee as well. Hope I did not come across the wrong way here. I appreciate your input. I do better one on one over coffee or a beer. Cheers

You didn't come across the wrong way at all (IMHO) but I think you'll find honing is a bit harder than you expect. I know my thought going in was "hey, you're rubbing steel on a rock, how hard can it be" but I learned there's a very wide gap between "sharp" and razor sharp and getting a razor across that gap proved surprisingly hard. I sure don't consider myself an expert but I am good with my hands also and have some experience sharpening knives. As was recommended by Charles, starting with a "practice" razor is a good idea as you'll probably take it through quite a few honings before you develop the feel. It ain't rocket science but it is harder than you (or at least I) might think.

Good luck and great find on the razors!

As a related aside, my Mom was a big flea marketer/antique shop browser. I remember once when I was about 10, we were in a shop and someone asked if they had any straight razors. The owner pulled out a big box full of straights and said "$1 each". They got them as part of larger lots at estate sales and there was no market for them so they just threw them in the box. I'd love to see what was in that box today - at $1 each!

Don't be surprised if that Burrell turns out to be maybe the best shaver of the bunch. Burrells were manufactured in Ellicottville, NY, part of the western New York cutlery magic zone. Properly honed they can shave with any razor anywhere.

Great score Cliff!

I for one agree that honing is something that can be learned, it just takes practice and determination. It's a great part of the hobby for me.

Another part of the hobby is scoring a bunch of razors for only a little cash. You certainly did that here. I'm happy for you.

Michael

Gee Stimp, I was only going to send 2 razors out for honing, now ya have me sending out a third! LOL

Very nice find. You have some great straights there take your and enjoy the trip. Get something nice for your wife.

great find!!! wish I could come across that lol