Thread: Unidentified razor (shaped object), possible Wapienica?

Some time ago I bought this, but I have been unable to get a decent shave with it.



It weighs 85 grams, whereas my second heaviest razor (ERN) is 45 grams. The weight makes it hard for me to shave and the edge is not that good, although the latter could be my own making. When I bought it, it could not even shave arm hair. Also, for the first time ever I think I encountered a wire edge, as I scraped some loose metal off the edge while honing on a BBW.
It's hollow ground on one side, flat/wedge on the other. It stains and the scales are very tight, I need to put quite some force to open or close the blade.

Now I've heard of Wapienicas, similar looking razors from Poland, but that is where my knowledge ends. Could this be a Wapi or is it more likely a razor shaped object?

I have no real clue but from the description you gave I would dare say RSO.
Looks sleek though.

Do you have more pics. From the way you describe the blade it sounds like a microtome.

Only from the same side, if that is any use. I can make more pictures tomorrow.

It's also a bit bigger than my other razors and I think 7/8".

Looks sleek though.

True, it's good-looking, but that doesn't remove the fluff on my cheeks.

Definitely sounds like a microtome to me. Microtome's were used for cutting thin slices of tissue for viewing under a microscope or for slides. They can be made to shave(and shave well), but they take a different aproach to honing than a normal razor. When I honed mine, I added three layers of tape to the flat side and one layer on the hollow side. After that I just followed the general rules for honing a kamisori.

Hope that helps a little.

Originally Posted by Theseus

Definitely sounds like a microtome to me. Microtome's were used for cutting thin slices of tissue for viewing under a microscope or for slides. They can be made to shave(and shave well), but they take a different aproach to honing than a normal razor. When I honed mine, I added three layers of tape to the flat side and one layer on the hollow side. After that I just followed the general rules for honing a kamisori.

Hope that helps a little.

I agree in full. Also the weight is mainly due to the (probably) aluminium (or stainless steel, I kinda feel stupid now for not knowing exactly) scales, I have a C.V. Heljestrand in scales like that and they do mess with the balance quite a bit. I got great shaves from it though after some getting used to. But yeah, very heavy. And this one definately a microtome, based on your description.

Thanks for the replies, I was about to give up, but I will give her another try! I'll read up on Microtomes and Kamisori honing.

The scales I think are stainless steel, far too heavy for aluminium.