Thread: New (to me) staright

Well my father in Law just handed me his Grandfathers straight razor, the name on the end of the blade is etched Ontario Cutlery Geneva NY. There is some pitting or scratches in it, thinking on getting it rehoned to try to use, if it's worth doing & not just putting it up for display. I also have a Titian I won awhile back & never could shave with it (feels like it pulls the whiskers out) so was wanting to get that rehoned also.
Anyone have any suggestions on it

Hard to tell by the picture but could most likely be made shave ready.
Definitely use it if possible

From photo looks like rust on edge and top of blade. The top can be cleaned but it depends how bad the rust is on edge. Better photos of both sides of blade would help.

The Titan is a razor shaped object and will never be a good shaver, however razors made in NY are very good razors. You may want to find a suitable alternate razor as heirloom pieces cannot be replaced and new users tend to mess up a little here and there. It is hard to tell the exact condition from the pictures but I bet you scored.

Family pieces are always great to shave with if possible! That should be a good shaver as long as the edge isn't damaged by the pitting. Congrats on the heirloom!

As mentioned the Titan is considered no better than a envelope opener.
Send your razor out to be honed, it should be a fine shaver.
I don't know how much experience you've had with a straight but if it was just with the Titan it cant have been good. Do yourself a favour and get a shave ready straight from the classifieds and go from there.

Yes, better photos will help.

At the least, cut off the rust with a single edge razor blade, clean with 000 steel wool and some WD40 to stop the rust.


The only good Titan, is the truck...

Having a Family Heirloom is nothing to take carelessly. I highly recommend that you send it out for a Proper Cleaning and Honing. There are many things that can happen with vintage razors, I've had scales crumble in my hand when all I was going to do was hone it and I've had blades crack while just hand polishing them.

An Heirloom needs tender loving care by one who has handled many, many razors.

I'm blessed with having my great grandfather's W&B and two of a very old friends grandfathers straights. I was also given a friend's father's DE. I treasure them all.

PM me as I'd like to help you have it properly cleaned up by a Pro who does excellent work!

Found a gentleman that I'm sending it to once I get the extra funds -Danny Schulman. After listening to you guys I don't know if I'll have the Titian done or not, since I've gotten into wet shaving & now slowly into straights I appreciate the the knowledge you guys share. Starting stalk the antique shops/flea markets for them, my wife just looks at me & laughs

Originally Posted by Samo1

Found a gentleman that I'm sending it to once I get the extra funds -Danny Schulman. After listening to you guys I don't know if I'll have the Titian done or not, since I've gotten into wet shaving & now slowly into straights I appreciate the the knowledge you guys share. Starting stalk the antique shops/flea markets for them, my wife just looks at me & laughs

Oh this is just the beginning!

I hope it all works out for you. Don't pay any attention to your wife. She's just jealous......JK

CMP