Thread: Is this unidentifiable wedge worth restoring?

Hello, this is my first post in the SRP forums.

The razor in the pictures below once belonged to my step-dad's grandfather. From what I can tell, it's a wedge, about 3/4" from spine to edge and contains what may be a slight wave in it. I'm not sure if it really may be bent or if just appears that way due to the spine being curved and the edge haveing a slight "smile" to it. If it is slightly bent, would it still be possible to hone and eventually use? I know it requires some major cleaning, polishing, and needs new scales but I wanted some opinions from experienced people before I undertook such a project.

Also, the wedge appears to be slightly skewed to one side (think of the way a right trianlge looks). Do most wedges look this way?







Thanks,

Brandon

Easily restoreable and as a family heirloom, it's more than worth the trouble. I'd send it off to a pro like Joe Chandler or Jason Lee for the following:
1) Take off the scales
2) Re-finish the blade (rust removal and restoring it to a mirror finish)
3) If the scales don't have any damage or worms, to refinish and re-treat them (either CA or polymerized tung oil).
4) Put the scales back on
I could do it, but I don't offer those services and don't have too much time on my hands.
5) Hone the edge

Originally Posted by BLW

Also, the wedge appears to be slightly skewed to one side (think of the way a right trianlge looks). Do most wedges look this way?

No, but it happens - they were hand-made, and sometimes the gin flowed a bit too thickly through the workman's blood. I've got a pristine Wostenholm Celebrated with a similarly "off" grind. You do have to be a bit careful when shaving with it, since you have to use a different angle when shaving with the two sides. If it were your only razor then you'd quickly adapt, but if it's just one in a rotation then you'll have to be careful.

I have to agree here, as a Family Heirloom it is very valuable to you. I just got my father's old shave scuttle, last time I went to visit my Mother, and it will always be in the Shave Den from now on....
I would give anything to have one of his old straights, or even an old DE...
Have yours restored, or depending on your skills, take your time and restore it yourself !!!!

This is an idea for you. I did this restoration and shadow box for a lady. The razor was her grandfathers. She just wanted the restoration and I threw in the shadow box so the razor wouldn't wind up a drawer some place.

Based on the picture, I'd say it's definitely a Sheffield, appears to be of the rarer variety as well. You don't see spines like that on too many. More than likely, very worth the time to restore.

And Joe's the right person to do it. He did an amazing regrind and an even better custom for me.

I've cleaned up far worse and still shave with them. Being part of the family... priceless.

I'm with Joe on this one.
The shape of the blade and tang alone are enough to mark it down as a sheffield.

It doesn't look that bad, and with a bit of love and care it will be a great shaver and a great looker.

Weren't wedges like that, a "right triangle" as you put it designed to be used for preparing specimens for lab inspection rather than shaving?

Example: slicing paper thin shavings of tissue for examination? I have one with a similar cross section view that I have not yet restored and I thought if it didn't shave well, it would make a great kitchen tool for slicing paper thin shavings of garlic.