Thread: Question about my ERN

Ok let me start off by saying I know nothing about straight razors. My grandfather was a barber and I have one of his straight razors. The inscription on it says C. Friedr. Ern Wald-Germany on one side and ERN and the number 64 on the other side. ( this is on the blade.) It has a colorful pea**** also not on the blade. I would love to make sure it stays in the condition it in so I can pass it down to one of my sons. What is the best way to do this.

That is a beautiful razor. I would start by putting mineral oil on the blade to keep from rusting. Do you plan on shaving with it?

The blade looks to be in great shape from the pic you posted. Looks straight with no chips. I'd give it a little polish and a few passes on the hone and see how well it shaves.

Beautiful scales as well.

C. Friedr ERN was one of the best cutlers in Germany; the brand is highly collectable (and valuable) today. Even more so, it’s rare to find one in those decorated scales, and in such good condition (but please, don’t inquire its value here… lest you get the cold “We don’t discus prices on the public forum”).

Rub some mineral oil (baby oil) on the steel to help prevent rust, and a little in the pivot where the blade meets the scales (do not use any other petroleum oil as it may adversely affect the scales) and if you do not plan to use it for shaving, you may carefully wrap it in paper and place it in the razor box to preserve it.

Isn’t it amazing, a common tool your grandfather used… would he have ever imagined its value today?

Edit: Oh and one more thing... Don't sell it unless you have to.

Should there be any rust on the razor, remove it ! There's plenty of info on this site of how to proceed with this ...

I thank you for your responses. I don't plan on shaving with it, I am female and never even thought about shaving my legs with it. The value doesn't really matter to me as it was my grandfathers and really have no intention of selling it. I will use your suggestions to keep it looking the way it does.

Yes, it's a beautiful razor. I've seen a number of these peac0ck scales, and even bought one myself. The exact design was used by numerous razor manufacturers. However, this is the first one I've seen with the color fully intact. It's also the first one I've seen that's pinned at both ends. Most of what I've seen are cheap looking one piece scales with the colors faded or worn off. Whatever price you might get for it (and I agree with smythe's advice not to sell it), its greatest value is the fact that it's an heirloom. It will never be worth as much to anyone else but you and your family. You have a rare gem.