Restoring

Hello everyone,

I'm slightly new to straight razors. I have been using them for about a 1 straight (technically 4 but I grew a full beard for 3 of those years). I have a few I use, mostly some that I found and restored to shave ready while one I purchased from Dovo the Bismarck from Solingen (a beautiful razor and I love shaving with it the most), however I didn't do proper research before I used it and left water on it and it got some patina marks, pretty annoying with the money I spent on it but hey can't change that without serious restoring.

Anyway, I really want a Thiers-Issard. I hear they are amazing blades but I really can't afford a new one so I was going to find one I could restore. I found a Dandy and several other cheaper ones between $50-$80. I was wondering what people in the shaving community would think if I bought TI and restored it completely with new scales. I think the older ones you find for a great deal are hideous with plastic scales and such so I would find some nice wood scales. Just wanting some opinions.

Would you ever change the scales of an old razor you restored? Do you care more about genuineness or design?

First after use dry your blade well.
To remove the staining on the Dovo use a good metal polish like Mothers.
Theirs Issard are good razors but I have had quite a few customers come to me to hone them and remove the rust spots.
Personally I prefer the vintage blades.

It's YOUR razor. Do what you want to it.
New scales, reshaping the tip, using wood, acrylic...whatever....
If YOU are happy with it then it's fine.

You could also unpin it and keep the scales if you ever want to go back to original...

Just my 2cents...

Thanks bouschie!

I make sure to dry them very well now because of that.

Thanks Chevhead!

I was just wanting others opinions and I appreciate your 2cents! I love wood, especially olive wood and was thinking of going that route. Great idea about keeping the original, I'll make sure to tuck them in somewhere I don't lose them.

Have you had any TI? If so what older brands should I look out for to buy?

Frankthetank86,

I personally like Dubl Ducks.
Everyone is different and like different grinds, widths makers etc...

If you find one maker that you like, you can get a couple versions of their blades. Try different grinds, wedge to hollow and see which you prefer.

I also like the old Filli's
I prefer the fuller hollow grinds but occasionally like a near wedge too.

It's a sickness really... LMAO

I have FAR TO MANY razors... :shrug: