Unlikely heros

Among all of the posts about restored Wade and Butcher FBUs, Filarmonica Novodurs, and custom Friodurs, there has to be a place for stellar performing grunts too. Today I shaved with what was once a really rough looking Petrr J Michels C-Mon handmade. When it came to me I originally intended to use it only to practice honing on it. The blade was all discolored and it has some of the most uneventful looking scales you can think of. But there was no rust or pitting. And there was minimal hone wear, no chips. So I figured this pig could be cleaned up and used. I did practice honing with it - 1k, 4k, 8k, 12k, Zulu grey. I also polished it up with some metal polish and took all the discoloration away and brought back a little shine. It's now shave ready sharp and it delivered a great, smooth shave today. It's still not much to look at but a great shaver and one that will definitely be used regularly. So what less than stellar razors are in your lineup that are great, reliable shave? What humble ones find their place right next to the Dubl Ducks and Filarmonica gems?

My first four that worked great. American Razor Works, JM Garrett, Century Cutlery, and a Max Reul that is in my shop waiting for custom scales. These razors went to friends on loan to try out straight shaving. 2 sold and 1 still out. I need a couple more to loan out. This wet shaving is catching on in my neighborhood. I do miss them but I have some happy friends to show for it.

My two Simmons Hardware #421 Barbers Pets are functionally equal to my Dubl Duck Goldedge. The first cost me $10, and I liked it so much that I sprung for a second for $15--50% more! They take a great edge, and keep it. I have a mess of cheap straights, but they are the stand-outs. I notice that there are different styles--mine have the swaybacked spine and double stabilizers.

I've found a number of razors that shave well above their price point. Shumate, Torrey and Hibbard, Spencer Bartlett are three that come to mind.

Actually all in my rotation right now: top flight, fred dolle presto, and a japanese western style coral razor, though the top flight is by far my favorite.

Not to be a dower, but C-Mon's are really well known and sought after. Or at least they were at one point. The Caddy's and Blackies are the big names, but they're all great.

I shaved today with a Anton Wingen Jr Red Point which I brought because the scales look awesome, got the blade honed as I like functional things and it is easily on par with some of the big names I have.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by holli4pirating

Not to be a dower, but C-Mon's are really well known and sought after. Or at least they were at one point. The Caddy's and Blackies are the big names, but they're all great.

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This one is no Caddy or Blackie. Its about as bare bones as they come and I doubt that this particular one would have been sought after (well, I was the only bid on eBay). It had to be the ground level for their line up. But yes, I trust the quality is there. I'm not trying to suggest that I turned a Gold Dollar into something special. Its just a rough, humble one that wouldn't turn any heads but will work well right along side of the ones that would garner greater appreciation.

Well a few comes to mind, Cattaraugus, Shumate, Morley, and there just something special about Geneva's with the older antler stamp.

I have one particular razor, a J Wostenholm EBRO, that looks well past it's prime. It has a warp and a twist in the blade, it's pitted and tarnished and the homemade scales are entirely too thick and uneven. But once it comes shave time, it's buttery smooth and still shaves with the best of them.