Thread: Found $10 Vintage Straight Razors - Enjoy

Greetings, all!


Found a small collection of straight razors (and one SE) at the gift shop where my mother works. She didn't even know they were there. I stopped in and, by chance, saw them on display and for sale. $10 each! Couldn't lose!


The blades are oxidized (not too terrible) and the scales have seen better days (mostly grime). The SE is a GEM 1912. The other two are of brands which I have never heard.


*[Disclaimer: I am very green to the world of straight razors].*


The first: Halma 200, 5/8, Quarter Hollow or Near Wedge (need help identifying; see photos).


The second: Kane & Keyser. 5/8, Full Hollow.


Both blades are in poor condition. The Halma 200 looks like it has been honed recently? Maybe?. The cutting edge looks smooth and even. No visible nicks under magnification.


The Kane & Keyser needs some love. The blade has less severe oxidation than the Halma. However the cutting edge has a few nicks. Not terrible.


The gift shop has several more "vintage" straight razors for sale. Some with cases. I'll probably purchase the remainder of them tomorrow. I will post their photos as soon as I can. I can sell, or trade, these (assuming I don't want them for myself) at little or no profit (basically wholesale + shipping + beer money), if anyone is interested.

Please find below the photos of the two blades purchased today.




(this is the section view of the Halma)

Looks like someone needs to break out the sandpaper... LOL

Can't wait to see what else you get!

I leave the country in a few weeks. I think my best bet is to send these (and the others) off to be restored. I can have the ones I want shipped to me directly overseas. The rest can be sent in-country to deserving owners.

Originally Posted by analog

I leave the country in a few weeks. I think my best bet is to send these (and the others) off to be restored. I can have the ones I want shipped to me directly overseas. The rest can be sent in-country to deserving owners.

Where are you going and where are you now?

For my job I will be touring Eastern Europe. Started in Tel Aviv, Israel, and picks back up in Athens, Greece in a few weeks. I finish 9 months later in Cardiff, UK. I will work most of the Eastern block, and Scandinavia. I am based in Tampa, FL, USA.

Well your entry into the amazing world of SR acquisitions (AKA RAD) appears to be on a better track than mine was! My first few blades aside from a new TI were in worse shape and 4/8" at best. That first dozen or so are STILL sitting in the "project razor" drawer.

It looks like you have a few there that can turn out nicely with a few hours' work. Restoration by someone will cost you a few dollars though so you may eventually have to think about the cost of restoring a $10 blade versus spending a similar final amount on a shave ready one. A personal choice for sure. For me, I'm on the fence. Some I want to restore myself, some I want to have someone like Max or Glenn restore, and a few blades I just want new. Again a personal choice of preference and available cash.

If you have the time there are members in all the countries you mention. Always good for a drink or two along with some intense SR discussion. Have an interesting trip!

Originally Posted by analog

(this is the section view of the Halma)

Any thoughts on this grind?

Google Image Result for http://straightrazorpalace.com/srpwiki/images/7/7c/SRP_GrindForm.GIF

Yes, I know the grind standards. But I'm on the fence as to whether this would be Quarter Hollow or Near Wedge.

Originally Posted by analog

Yes, I know the grind standards. But I'm on the fence as to whether this would be Quarter Hollow or Near Wedge.

Near Wedge:


Quarter Hollow: