Thread: Can I get some advice from the wise?

I got an old Joe Rodgers that is blacker than any blade I have handled. Whats the consensus on how far to go on bringing it back to life? She is a pretty wedge with lots of metal to her, but do I shine it up like a new dime or do I leave her a little old? I know its a matter of opinion, but I would like some input. Also can we take a stab at an age? Thanks guys.

A little sand paper and wd 40 and its showing that its not dead.

It all depends on how far you want to go. You are talking cosmetics. If the edge is sound I would do a little more sanding. Polish and hone.

It will take a substantial amount of hand sanding to get that old girl looking like a new dime. Use a backer on your sand paper and mind the lines on the razor. If you are doing a lot of sanding, sometimes it helps to keep things straight if you set the bevel first, it does not need to go all the way but well established. That in itself can be a bear of a task on an old wedge.

How old do we think this thing is? I know its like comparing apples and oranges, but she looks older than my Rockingham works Wosty (and thats no newer than 1849).

I like my blades to show a bit of age personally. Sometimes the pitting can look sort of nice although other times not.

No clear shot of the tail but from what i see id guess mid 1800's or newer. Just a guess though. Id think with a littke elbow grease, steal wool and polish it would look good enough to put on a hone. If the edge has pitting 9r rust then you got a lot of work to do to make it really shave well. I wouldnt go too far with the elbow grease before hecking out that bevel. And a new set of scales will be a fun project for it.

With razors like this you can put hours and hours of work into it and end up with a non-shaving razor still. So check that bevel well first.

JMHO for what its worth.

+1 on checking the edge for pitting before going too far on the cleaning. If you can get a decent bevel with no pitting in the edge you are set. Finish cleaning it up, touch up the bevel, hone and you should end up with a great shaver. If you are going to replace or repair the scales as long as they are functional now I'd leave the scales til last.

Good luck and keep us posted on progress and results with pics, we love pics here.

A clear shot of the tail and lettering on the tang will help narrow down the age, but I'd guess mid to late 1800s.

I have an old wedge that was in the same condition.
I sanded it the best I could, but was still covered in pits.
So instead of sanding the heck out of it, I blued the whole thing.