Thread: Need help figuering out if a straight is worth it...

Originally Posted by Haim

Hello gents :] Long time since my last visit here ..

I started working on a straight I got from a package of 20 scrap razors...
It's a Buck&Ryan in a poor condition, and it had cell-rot on it's scales that did a number on it.
The main damage that concerns me is on the end of the blade, above the toe. There's some nasty pitting there going 1-2 mm into the metal, with [literally] microscopic chips on the bevel that can be taken care of in a minute.


Now I'm wondering if hand sanding that part is worth it, or should I just shorten the blade..?
The above picture is after 2 hours of sanding...

I would suggest sanding down the blade until the rest of it is good - in other words, don't bring the rest of the blade to the point of the toe, bring the blade to good, taking that same necessary amount off the toe even though it won't be enough for the toe -then re-evaluate. At that point you can decide if the pitting has been taken care of enough for your liking, or if you should get practice shortening a blade that is not honestly good for that much else than practicing on, and perhaps saving it! Sounds like this is a good blade to practice on. Enjoy!