Thread: First Antique Experience

Driving home today, I saw a little store that read "Antiques" with a barber pole displayed outside. I haven't been to an antique shop since I was a little kid with my mom, and thought what the heck ill see if they have any razors. Stopped in, asked if he had any by chance and happily heard him say yes, strops, razors and mugs.

He had a few razors, I ended up buying this Geneva with a random victor case (free) for about $15. He also showed me a very cool mug priced at $200...In short He said it was a Koken mug that they gave out for free in 1895 when they first opened (pretty interesting IMO) The store also had a few strops (very short) one read gillette 1966 I believe $6, and a nice looking Wilhelm Mandt razor.

Anyways how did I do? Hopefully okay, I know I shouldn't be buying vintages but either way It interested me as it was my first antique find. Worth having honed?






Gents, appreciate your help, you guys help so many new people on here and I truly appreciate it.

If the razor can be made shaveable, I'd say you did well on that.

Did you buy the mug?

Originally Posted by HNSB

If the razor can be made shaveable, I'd say you did well on that.

Did you buy the mug?

Nope, and to be honest I didn't even really consider it. My shaving experience and skills are not worthy enough for a mug of that price and history. Here is exactly what it looked like. (not many images found on google)

Oh, sorry... I didn't realize you had attached pictures of the razor. The firewall where I work doesn't show them if they are linked from a photo hosting site.

It looks like a nice razor. Is there a little chip in the bevel near the toe? Either way, it should still hone up and be a nice shaver for you.

If you really like that mug, I'm certain you can find one for far less if you shop around a bit.

Thanks, and yes there is a very small one. I wish I knew you were going to list so many razors, I would have waited from my other classified buy, and just picked up locally. I read someone said in response to an antique razor they should "give it a bath" and it will clean up well. Is there a way to wash/clean/sterilize this? Isopropyl alcohol mineral oil solution?

That little chip will hone out just fine. To sterilize the blade just use some alcohol. Check the classifieds for honing services.

it can definitely be made shavable - its probably my favorite hobby taking cheap old razors and making them once again useful. In my head these cheapies have more character.

plus with an investment that small you can practice honing without much worry.

had i saw that razer i wouldn't have hesitated for a second - It'd been mine!!

Not bad at all. That chip looks harmless enough and should hone out and be a good shaver. Congrats.