New to straight razors.

My name is justin. I was wondering what I have and what it would take to be useable again. Background info on the razor. My wife's mother is cleaning out her house to move along with the gun safe. I received this little black box that reads, Frederick Reynolds providence works 60 Gell st Sheffield. I open it and it's a straight razor. It has a clear handle (yellow tent) with brown marks. I will attempt to post some pictures. I've always wanted to use a straight razor but have not had the extra money. But anyhow, any and all info will help. It looks to be in decent shape. I would like to get it back to a mirror finish. The pins seem to be made of cooper. Thanks for taking the time to read.

Metal polish will clean that up. Looks to be in better shape than many I have purchased. It will need to be honed by someone who knows what there are doing. See if there is a mentor in your area. They may be able to help you not only with the honing but shaving as well.

Edit:
And Welcome to SRP

It is a blade style often referred to as a faux frame back. The handle or scales is made from horn and then bleached and died to look like tortoise shell. That is a very common brand as well as a well regarded brand. I think you need a couple of more things. One of those is a strop and a brush and soap is in order as well. This page Straight Razor Place Library - Straight Razor Place Library has some very good information. You can get some very good soaps for under $10 and your brush need not be expensive. There are also some once strops for around $50. The owner of this site has a store, Straight Razor Designs that sells everything you need. There are other vendors that as affiliated to the site that also sell supplies. Last thing is you will need to get your blade professionally honed. It is not expensive.

Yes! nice razor. a well respected and saught after maker too. get some metal polish like Mothers or Maas should do a nice job. its made before 1891 and the scales ("handle") could be horn. should be able to find out more about the maker by doing a search on fredrick renolds on the forum. Oh yeah, welcome to SRP!

If your new to straight razors and intend to use them I would suggest sending it to pro for a restoration and honing. Then I would suggest watching all the videos on straight razors and there use on the computer there are many by a lot of good people. Lynn Abram has many on the subject as well a many others. That is a very good looking razor and a good name razor. it should clean up and be a killer shaver as well as a looker. There are many folks here at the SRP that will give advice that is spot on. There good people. There is a lot if info here at the place. just look on the home page and you'll see where to look. they give detailed info on restoring and honing but if this is your first and some thing with a lot of sentimental value I would send it to one of the pros listed in the vendor section on the forum.. Oh yea welcome to the place.

As mentioned nice razor, and condition looks to be good for its age, good for you wanting to get it back into use.
The steel on those vintage Sheffield razors is dam good. enjoy.

There are plenty of videos on here and youtube on how to use a straight and how to strop etc......

Very nice razor! I have one very much like it and dished out a pretty penny to get it. It was one I had to have. Keep it, have it restored and honed, learn how to use it, and then enjoy it for many years!!

The learning process can be long, with many small nicks, but the payoff in the end is filled with enjoyment! Everyone here went through it.

Again, very, very nice blade!

Hi Justin
Welcome to SRP

here is a link to members/mentors in your area.

Also, there will be a meet in Richmond over Memorial Day. This gathering of SR users will be an excellent opportunity to meet other members and get a LOT of help.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

Post a new thread in the Member Introduction section.

Take a look at the Central Kentucky Meeting thread. If you are near Richmond, Dennis can sharpen your razor. Welcome and Good Luck!

Thanks for all the info. I'm starting to get the fever. I will more then likely get this done by a pro. But again thanks and look forward to being a part of the forum.