Thread: First try

Hello all. Well this is my second post (first just being my first shave post), but I though I'd jump right in. I've been lurking for a good month now, and you lot have your hooks in me but good, so I thought I'd show off my first project and get some input.

The first is a razor I just picked up for 20$ at an antique show. It is stamped "Wilbert Cutlery Co. Chicago" on the shank and a tortoise gold etched into the blade. The scales are imitation tortoise shell. Anyone hear of Wilbert Cutlery Co. before?

The second is your classic Goldenedge. Both have are in pretty good condition, just some tarnishing and some minor rust (worse on the goldenedge).

I read up a LOT on the tumbler shining and polishing technique, and I'm wondering if that would be a good way to go. I have sand paper up to 600 grit, but currently have no way to go beyond that.

I have the opportunity to get a "Quick n Easy" tumbler for about 30$ (they seemed to be getting good reviews). Would that be a valid way to go for my first foray, or should I go old fashioned style? Any suggestions for a first try?

One last question, though I don't know if anyone will be able to answer it with my limited information: I found another razor at an antique store. I don't know much about it, but it is in decent (tarnished and slightly rusted, but a good blade) condition. The main thing I remember about it was the stamp saying "Sheffield Eng." Mean anything to anybody? I'm still trying to get a feel for what is worth picking up.

Anyways, its great to be here, I really appreciate all the knowledge available here. Have a wonderful weekend.

(P.s. I'm new to the forum, and tried to attatch some pictures. Hope it worked)

Originally Posted by riplikash

Hello all. Well this is my second post (first just being my first shave post), but I though I'd jump right in. I've been lurking for a good month now, and you lot have your hooks in me but good, so I thought I'd show off my first project and get some input.

The first is a razor I just picked up for 20$ at an antique show. It is stamped "Wilbert Cutlery Co. Chicago" on the shank and a tortoise gold etched into the blade. The scales are imitation tortoise shell. Anyone hear of Wilbert Cutlery Co. before? Yes, you see them on E- Bay now and then and I thinik I have seen a few on the old BST forum here... Seem to be a good quality brand, made in Chicago from 1908-1921

The second is your classic Goldenedge. Both have are in pretty good condition, just some tarnishing and some minor rust (worse on the goldenedge). NICE !!!!!

I read up a LOT on the tumbler shining and polishing technique, and I'm wondering if that would be a good way to go. I have sand paper up to 600 grit, but currently have no way to go beyond that.

I have the opportunity to get a "Quick n Easy" tumbler for about 30$ (they seemed to be getting good reviews). Would that be a valid way to go for my first foray, or should I go old fashioned style? Any suggestions for a first try? There is a lot of reading in that thread, The tumblers work great but I would not invest the $$$ in one unless you have another use for it too.... They do not eliminate sanding, they do give a beautiful smooth finish... I would get the rest of the sandpaper you need up to 2000 grit and take it slow and easy.... The one other thing that you have to realize about using the tumblers is that honing those edges afterward is a bear they have zero bevel and unless you are pretty good on the hones I do not advise it for yer first time out...

One last question, though I don't know if anyone will be able to answer it with my limited information: I found another razor at an antique store. I don't know much about it, but it is in decent (tarnished and slightly rusted, but a good blade) condition. The main thing I remember about it was the stamp saying "Sheffield Eng." Mean anything to anybody? I'm still trying to get a feel for what is worth picking up. Not enough info for an answer

Anyways, its great to be here, I really appreciate all the knowledge available here. Have a wonderful weekend.

(P.s. I'm new to the forum, and tried to attatch some pictures. Hope it worked)

Hope this helps....
And welcome to the boards....
Way to jump right in

Re the Sheffield Eng: In general Sheffield steel is good, but there are exceptions. Pics and/or brand information would be needed to say for sure.There's still a good chance it's a decent blade, however.