Thread: Copper Head Razor Restore, Steel Question?

Hey everyone. I just started on this Copper Head razor (J. W. Gentry, Terre Haute IND., Germany) and had a few questions if anyone wouldn't mind responding.

First I was hoping someone might have some information on the razor itself, I have never seen one like it or heard of the name. It was definitely used as there is some hone wear. The scales are really neat, not sure of the material though.

The main question I have is about the finish on the steel? I spent a good 10-15 minutes with the dremel (wire and cotton polishing wheels) and as you can see in the picture I could not get a shiny steel finish. I even focused on a single spot as a test spot. I first thought it was just really heavy patina but after all of that polishing it must be a finish or steel that I am unfamiliar with. The pictures do not exactly justify what I am trying to describe here, but it is a dark gray color and is the same throughout the entire length of the blade, spine, and tang. Can anyone comment?

I am anxious to figure this out because I do not want to proceed if it is some and ruin some type of uncommon finish or steel. Thank you for any responses.

I put a s. r. droescher "blacksmith" with the normal somewhat mirror finish and a blued tang just for comparison. The Droescher is to the right.