Thread: Project Razors

I was in a local antique shop today and noticed 3 razors: a W&B "B Special" 5/8, Otto Busch "weltmeister" 4/8 and a "Artifex" 5/8. I picked up the W&B and the Artifex for $20.00 and left the Busch behind because 4/8's seems a little small. Can anyone advise on the following:

1) Artifex - Can't find anything on this razor online. Is it any good, is it stainless or not etc?

2) Otto Busch - Should I have left this behind or should I have taken it instead of the Artifex? The Busch was in great condition but I was put off by the Stainless Steel blade as well as the size.

3) I know I've seen postings on here about making handles and polishing blades but I now can't find them. Could someone post a link?

4) Recommendations for a good handle material for a first attempt (wood or otherwise)?

All help greatly appreciated.

This would probably be a better question for the the restoration forum.

But fwiw, most razors will be suitable for use if you can get the edge honed back into the good steel rather than the corroded stuff at the edge.

Are you sure the blades are stainless? Sometimes it can be hard to tell if there's no direct statement to that effect.

Here's a link that has links to various threads on resto topics: http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...tials-faq.html

Judging from the tarnish in the pics I would say niether one of them is stainless.IMO

Agreed on this being posted in the wrong section, I was rushing to get out for night shift and clicked into the wrong forum...my bad. As to the blades the W&B is definatly carbon. As to the "Artifex" I can't find any info. on the manufacturer so I'm a bit stumped. The blade is heavily tarnished but I can't find a piece of actual rust or pitting anywhere. Not that that's a bad thing but I'd be surprised if a little damp/condensation hadn't done a bit of damage.

Any thoughts on the condition of the W&B? I'm starting to work on that tonight. I noticed there's very little wear on the blade but when I place it on the hone the front edge doesn't sit flat. Then when I flip it over to the other side the problem goes away. No warping evident anywhere either.

Moved this from The Forge to The Workshop - a more appropriate venue.

Questions, comments? Please email or PM me.

Well, from what I can tell from pretty dark pictures, it seems like your average restoration - look at the "hand sanding how-to" thread, and the "pinning and unpinning" thread, and then have at it! You'll be amazed at how most clean up nicely - then have one sent out to be hone (probably the W&B) to get a baseline so that you know how sharp a razor has to be and you'll be good to go!

Good luck, and keep us posted.

Mark