My Great Grandfather's Escher

My Grandfather gave me his father's razor hone 20 years ago. Both of them used it and I did as well for a couple years. The way my Grandfather showed me how to use it was to create a slurry with the slurry stone, and then with small circles hone the razor. I must admit I never really did get a good edge on my razor. But using that method got me by for a couple years while I was in Tunisia.

A month or so ago I got my old straight kit out and for some reason decided to use it again. This time I had the internet to help me and I've had a much nicer experience, thanks to SRP. :)

But I couldn't decide what to do with the Escher. On the one hand I didn't want to lap out the history of my Grandparent's usage. On the other hand I wanted to use our stone, but use it lapped. I was contemplating lapping the back of the stone but hadn't made up my mind. I took the stone to the Upper Midwest S.R. Meet, in the hopes someone could identify what type of stone it was. Randy said it was an Escher. He also said I should use it. I protested and then he said to lap the back. And today I did.

Here's the old top of the hone.

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...ge/escher1.jpg

Here's the old bottom.

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...her_bottom.jpg

And here's the old bottom, or new top, after lapping.

http://i672.photobucket.com/albums/v...ttom_after.jpg

I'm glad you lapped it, Kent. I would want my great grandson to enjoy shaving with the gear I had once possessed.

Good luck with it and enjoy the connection.

Chris L

Wow Kent!
Your a lucky man, indeed. I think ya made the right choice...grandpas on one side and you are on the other. Its a beautiful stone too, btw.

Mac

that's so cool!

thanks for the photos too :D

That is really cool. How nice to hone the razor with the stone that both your father and grandfather used. If the stone could talk it would be glad to be back to work instead of in a drawer. You are doing the right thing. :tu

That's very lovely, thanks.

It's awesome that you can still get great use out of a tool your grandfather used to use.

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Originally Posted by hoglahoo

that's so cool!

thanks for the photos too :D

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Yep, on both counts. :beer1:

Just great! I'm sure you cherish it.

That is a fantastic stone. Not only because of the edge you can get from it, but the best part is the family history that it has attached. Use it well for many years to come and then pass it down to another family member to keep it gathering history.

That is so awesome, Kent! The stone looks great and I am sure your forefathers are proud you are using their stone. I just hope my grand- and great-grandchildren will do the same with the BBW I have...
Jeff

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Originally Posted by coachmike

That is a fantastic stone. Not only because of the edge you can get from it, but the best part is the family history that it has attached. Use it well for many years to come and then pass it down to another family member to keep it gathering history.

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+1 on the Coach! Enjoy your piece of family history!

First, thanks for all the kind comments. Second, if you're interested, I've posted a little more about this topic on my blog.

Great-Grandfather’s Escher Razor Hone « Keen Edge

Hey Kent,
I have escher envy. The one I have is in a little wooden box and quite small:( Are you going to make a box for it?
Mike

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Originally Posted by Kingfish

Hey Kent,
I have escher envy. The one I have is in a little wooden box and quite small:( Are you going to make a box for it?

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Mike,
You know, I hadn't even thought of that. I'm pretty ignorant when it comes to hones. Thanks for mentioning this. One of these days I think I will build a box for it.

just a suggestion/info bite: the stone groove for those boxes was carved(or routered ;) ) from a single block of wood cut in 2. For historical sake "I" would make one in that style.

Congratulations! I really enjoy reading all these stories of people salvaging heirlooms, cleverly restoring them with tact and respect, and continuing the family history!

I was stoked to get these from my Grandfather as well, Henkels and a Coti. At this time I don't have many younger males in the family and only a few prospects that may change that... We shall see. I love the hand-me down ability that many of these items have in them.

Lets do more to keep this tradition alive :D :D :D

(I'm open to being adopted :w )

Wow how awesome Kent! I always love reading about heirlooms being restored to what they once were or at very least be treated with utmost care and respect. I'm sure forefathers will be elated you've gone extra mile. Well done mate! :Beer: