Thread: My buddy ruined my razor...

So I bought my first straight which was included in a beginner set off an online retailer. The vendor labels it as his own (Young) and is stamped as being made in Chicago. I was aware of the Paki problem and decided to avoid it. Well, after receiving said razor, I need to have it honed. Had the razor and what was labeled as an Arkansas oilstone (included in the beginner set) sitting out on the living room table when a buddy of mine grabs the thing and starts running my razor across it at what must have been a 45 degree angle. I had previously read pieces of the mountain of information contained in this site and am fairly certain the edge is ruined and needs to be rehoned. Although I am familiar with the correct honing technique, this is something I would not like to try on my first (and currently only) straight. After reading through most of the forums I know some of the meisters offer this service. I’m not sure what the going rate is for such an undertaking, but you seem to be a group of guys (and maybe a couple ladies, who knows) dedicated to this art of shaving so I trust your appraisal.

Also, just curious if anyone else has had a similar problem, but it seems my Burma Shave brush has a bit of the “wet dog” scent to it. I read in one of the posts that shampooing will get it out, but alas this seems to not be working so well, any suggestions? Thanks again.

Quintin

Well heck Quintan, if the blade is already destroyed, make this a practice razor to "sharpen" your honing skills.

I would recommended buying a shave ready blade from one of the guys on SRP. That way you know it's sharp and ready to go.

Look in the forum section under buy/sell/trade
I bought a C-MON from David Uthe and traded with Robert Williams for a ready to go blade.

I got ahold of a Vulfix super badger brush, and it also had the wet dog aroma to it, after washing it a few times, the odor is dimishing. Try the shampoo a few times and see if that works.

I still have a few really nice shavers left as well. Can't go wrong with any of the guys from here. Good Luck. Lynn

Hello guest,

The Young razor company sells mostly pakistani stuff. He is a retailer, not a mfg who grinds his own razors from forged blanks made in germany or england. Historically most of the straight razors have been forged in either england or germany and then ground in one or the other of those countries.
What you have is probably a Pakistani razor. The razor is probably not ruined and can be salvaged. The question is , is it worth it. If its worth honing then I will do it for you.

Send the razor to me and I will let you know what the deal is. No charge, just include $5 cash for return postage and your phone number.

By the way, that Arkansas stone is probably not fine enough for a straight razor. But thats another subject for another time.

send the razor to
Randy Tuttle
1027 Desoto St.
St. Paul, Minnesota 55101
phone 651-776-0699

I don't know where the Young Razor Company gets their razors but the "Rockwell Solingen" manufacturer told me he can gladly engrave ANYTHING I want on the either the blade, tang or scales.........Hmm, Made in Pakistan, Made in Germany, Made in Chicago.....Dubl Duck Wonderedge, anything :roll:

Tony

Thanks guys for the advice. Randy, I'll be mailing you my razor in the next couple of days. Thank you for the generous offer. I'm also very curious about the origin of this blade seeing as most other straights (brand new) run at a much higher price frm what I've paid.

I've considered the "honing teacher" route for this razor but honestly would like someone else to take a look at it in hopes of determining its overall quality.

About the engraving, Tony I had the same concern. In short, I think I learned my lesson on this one and really wish I would have known about this group before financially committing. You guys are really doing a great job at keeping this art alive. Thanks again

Quintin