Thread: Restored Depew's Monkey Tail Razor = Uncertainty

Hello everyone,

I was super excited about this razor and it came in the mail today and as soon as I opened it up I was surprised about how small it really is. The tail is rather neat looking and the inscription is cool despite some minor pitting but when I stropped it and actually used the razor I didn't exactly love it. Due to the small size of the blade frequent rinsing is required and the shortness takes some getting used to. The long tail also isn't as ergonomic as some of my other razors. Overall I would rate my initial experience with it a 6/10 (partly because I got over zealous and cut myself haha). Not sure how often I'll be using this in the future. If any one elsehas experience with this razor please reply.

The short blade should not be a big deal. It does look well worn
so it could be harder to hone than it looks. Give it the old magic marker
test and then hone it nice and smooth.

Razors with a new feel like this or even a kamisori might take some getting used to
so lay out a second "comfortable" razor so you do not need to push the envelope.
The smile may take a bit of practice to hone well so keep the marker handy.

I have one, about as worn as yours. Sits in a display mug on a shelf. I have never been anxious to try to hone it, nor use it. They are cool looking, but they just don't seem likely, nor "perfect" to me. JMHO

As of today I'd have to agree with you, it's somewhat of a novelty I suppose. I feel more comfortable using my Matt Jung No 80 (5/8) or even the larger Joseph Elliot (7/8) I have. Even stropping this razor is kind of odd.

I recently restored one, and it was the first time I had my hands on one. I was shocked too of how small the blade was. It honed up very nice, I found it very awkward to strip too. But I found it to be a very nice shaver other than the awkwardness with stripping I liked it. Just my opinion

I think I saw this one on eBay. When I asked about the size of the blade, I backed off from it. I wanted one of these for my growing collection but in I had to be honest with myself about my preferences. I simply don't prefer smaller blades. And this one is definitely a smaller blade.

I enjoy a long tailed razor personally because they give me added control. It's like anything else, you use it enough and you will grow to like it more and more.