Thread: Legreve a Charleroi

Hi there!

I am quite new to "old school" wet shaving. I got interested in shaving with a DE after reading some blogs and the badgerandblade forum. Then, for Christmas, I got a Gillette Super Speed / Rocket and have been enjoying shaving since then. I can hardly wait to get up, put some nice, warm lather on my face, and shave it smooth.
Recently, I got more and more curious about shaving with a straight. I started looking around for a starter. I ended up buying a vintage, Belgian made blade - for a good price. And now I am here to ask for your advise! How shall I restore this beauty?
It is a carbon-steel, 5/8 blade, with rounded point - as you can see on the pic. There are some micro-rust spots on the blade and a slight frown in the edge. By the way, is it a "singing blade" or a hollow ground?
What tools will I need to get this razor shave ready? Unfortunately, I do not know of any "honemeisters" in Hungary, so I will probably have to do the honing myself... I know it is not such a good idea, but I guess, I do not have any other options...

Looking forward to your replies!

There we meet again!
I would call it a half hollow. Not a singing razor. AFAIK singing razors are extra hollow grounds that go into some sort of resonance when stropped causing a "singing" sound. When shaving they can be heard to make a scraping sound.

I am no good at restoring razors, I'll leave that to the more experienced in the crowd.

Yes, we meet again!
Someone suggested me posting a thread here as well.
And Kees! Thanks a lot for the info and help!!!

Well... all I can tell you is what I have bought so far in my adventures:

#1 *MOST IMPORTANT*: Bill Ellis' restoration CD It has all the tricks of the trade
#1a All the little tools suggested in his CD (Depending on how far you are going to take the restore)
#2 Dremel tool with variable speed
#3 Hones (Most people say 4k/8k is what you are looking for)
#4 Time... lots and lots and lots and lots and lots (you get the picture)
#5 Metal polish (Most people here swear by MAAS)

To get out that frown you will probably want to use a Norton 1k hone. Do circles on the hone with the razor (same as if you were honing, but a circular motion rather than a straight forward stroke). Or you could do the same on 600-1000 grit sandpaper mounted flat on a piece of glass. That should even the edge out. As far as what else you'll need to restore the blade... could be a lot of things, but really you have to kind of do a lot of experimenting, and experience is probably the best way to learn. Bill's cd will get you started.