Need help with inherited razor.

Hi all!

I am a new member from India. I recently inherited a straight razor which belonged to my grandfather and has been unused for about 20 years now. I have delved with shavettes and regular use the twist top kind of safety razors. Pardon me if I do not know the right terms.

I looked online and identified the company that made the blade (kropp)but it appears that the scale (recently learnt this term :) ) seems to be made by a different company (dorko).

I still have some questions which I could not find answers to online or in the forum ( maybe bad with using the search feature).

Any help is appreciated.

1. What is the type of scale
2. Is the different blade and scale a common thing?
3. How old could this razor be?
4. Would it be possible for an amateur to restore it (me)?
5. (This should have been no. 4) does it need extensive restoration or basic cleaning and sharpening.
6. I have always wanted to initiate using a straight razor. Would this be an ideal one to begin with?

Attaching some pics.

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Thanks,
Amit
India.

Apologies if I broke any forum rules for beginners inadvertently.

That last picture shows a lot of rust on the edge. Cleaning rust leaves pitting. I think if it was my grandfathers razor i would clean the blade with some steelwool and polish. Scrape off what you can in the pivot area. A good soap and water wash on the scales using something to get inside the scales and put it away.

If you want to learn to shave with a straight you can get one in much better shape. Kropp and Dorko are good name brands. Dont worry about it and be happy you have your grandfathers razor as a lot of us dont have that option.

Othefs will jump in soon and give there opinins too so wait and see what options you get. BTW, welcome to SRP.

Here is a thread about Kropp.
https://sharprazorpalace.com/razors/...out-kropp.html
I don't personally know a lot about them but I know that they are well respected. The one I have is an excellent shaver. Your razor was rescaled. Probably the original scales broke and these were available. From what I can see in the pictures it looks like a thorough cleaning and honing will have it in good shape, although the one picture does show some rust at the edge which could be problematic. If it was an heirloom I would not recommend taking on this project yourself if you are not experienced in refurbishing. It would be a shame to have it go badly for you.

This Kropp razor has been rescaled in Dorko, celluloid scales. Note the pin and collar does not match the others.

The scales at one time were beautiful but, have since kicked off with Cell Rot and the rot, a chemical off gassing has eaten the razor. It is common with this style of scale.

Even if you removed all the rust and pitting, it will probably not hold an edge the steel is so damaged. Kropp razor are good razors but not especially collectable.

If you want to learn to use a straight razor you have come to the right place. You can purchase a shave ready nice razor in the Buy, Sell, Trade forum, that will save you all the hassle and learn how to shave and maintain a razor.

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