Thread: Setting up a restoration workshop

Hi everybody,

I started wet shaving about a year ago and began using straights about eight months ago. I've just now begun restoring. Still reading and watching tutorials. The past four weeks have been spent chiefly on building a set of storage shelves for restoration materials, a work table, and a razor jig. For the jig, I took hints from Paulx608 (http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...storation.html) and other contributors. Once the jig was in place, I lept in and started working, even though I haven't finished the long list of tutorials I have bookmarked.

Here, I'll post some pictures of the workshop:

Here's a closeup of the razor I'm working on now, an F. R. Reynolds "Unequalled" 6/8. There are three "before" shots and two "after" 60 grit sanding. The horn scales are soaking in neatsfoot oil. I'm planning to take the sanding up to 1200 grit and then buff with a Dremel and emery then crox:



A couple of days ago, after watching Brad Maggard's 12-part video on restoration, I decided to get a two-speed buffer. Until that comes in, I'll just continue hand sanding on the jig.

Already got my first cut finger! So I figure I'm a blooded "veteran," though still a newbie restorer. Cuts teach caution, attention--lessons I'm learning.

For daily shaving rotation, I'm using about a dozen razors that are in good condition. For restoration, I have a bunch of razors I've picked up off eBay or from B&B. These are grouped into three classes: A, B, and C. The razors in class A are those I value most--little hone wear, blades in good condition, 6/8ths or larger. The B class razors either have heavier hone wear or more pitting, or are inherently less valuable.

I'll post a picture of the Class A razors queued for restoration (Wade & Butcher, Ern, C-Mon, Oxford, Frederick Reynolds, Wostenholm, etc.) :



Two more class A razors coming in the mail, a Greaves 7/8 wedge and a W&B 7/8 wedge. Both have some rust but are big enough to tolerate substantial sanding.

I've learned a lot from this forum, and I've bought several fine razors off the SRP classifieds. Thanks, guys! I'll keep tuning in to learn more.