Great Grandad's SR

[RAFF]

Hello to all readers,
and Thank You to all knowledgeable posters on SRP.

I've been lurking ('reading' as a nicer term) on SRP for a couple of months. With the invaluable information gathered on here I've had my first shave (jaws & cheeks only!) with my fathers straight (Henckels & Hammesfahr) and I'm hooked. I was a little shaky at first but soon realized this was probably not the best time to be nervous/anxious.

I have since come into possession of two other razors. The first of these was a present from a friend who picked it up at a charity shop (branded M.P Garanti) and the second is the topic of this post.

This straight has a fair bit of history and quite a story, most of which is unknown to me, the part I do know was how it got to my hands.

My family has its problems, as most do. However, these were a little more severe than the standard family problems. My Great Grandfather wanted to kill his brother (I'll not get into the details). Even on his sick bed he was insistent on doing the deed. My Mother knew of this and wanted to prevent any bloodshed so she 'nicked' his razor (his only 'to hand' weapon).

Forty odd years later I told her I had started SR shaving and after a long story telling she gave me the razor. An inheritance of sorts.

I'd like to know if it would be possible/advisable to restore the razor.
It is by far the most beautiful razor of the three. Made by Richard Abraham Herder, Solingen. With stamped pattern just before the blade and another decorative feature at the hinge. Sorry, my terminology is 'limited' to say the least.

I would be willing to do the work myself. However, having only made one knife blade so far my experience and knowledge is only at 'germination stage'. I am too afraid I'm gonna mess it up. I'd be more than willing to send it to a 'honemeister' (is that right?)/someone who knows their way around a straight to get it professionally done.

Anyone interested? Or can point me in the right direction.
I'm in London, UK. Will post if I have to.

I'd just like to add a thank you to everybody who shaves with a straight.
I feel like I owe you all so much for keeping this ART alive. The new forms of shaving are so mind-numbing, unintelligent and just plain boring. Not to mention MONEY consuming and NOT environmentally friendly. People are always in such a rush to do everything they miss out on pleasures like these. I am your new advocate and will be incessantly spreading the word.

All the Best,
Raff

[ganboyi]

it doesn't look in the greatest condition but since you are in England you should try Neil from www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration He is very knowledgable and has lots of straight razors, hones, strop etc on his webpage as well as doing restoration and honing. If you are in the U.K. I think you should get in contact with him. If it is restorable and can be honed up to shave he will be able to do it. Good luck!

[red96ta]

Welcome to SRP! That's a pretty interesting story you've got there...

The only folks (that I'm aware of) doing honing and cleanup on razors in the UK is the Invisible Edge Scale of charges If you check on the classifieds, you should be able to find lots of folks that do restoration work.

[Obie]

Hello, Raff:

That's a good story. Thanks for telling it.

Undoubtedly, a razor with such a fascinating history needs saving. Perhaps one of the restoration experts at Straight Razor Place can offer an opinion on its possibilities.

Regards,
Obie

[RAFF]

Thank you ganboyi, red96ta and Obie for your replies.

I have made contact with Neil @ the strop-shop and am now awaiting an evaluation he will make with my photos.

[RAFF]

Well heres the latest.

Reply received from Neil at www.strop-shop.co.uk - hand made straight razor strops, razor pouches, shaving accessories, vintage razors, razor honing and restoration.
Extremely informative, descriptive and honest advice.

To summarize, the amount of work needed would require complete dis-assembly of the razor which due to its age and condition would not guarantee survival of all parts.

I've decided against the restoration as I would like to keep the razor with all its original parts. The scales especially which have a number (four digits) inscribed near bottom pin (Grandgrandfather/army?).

I was also told that sometimes when de-pinning the scales can crack/shatter, sometimes with no visible damage beforehand, being that the damage is hidden under the actual 'pin cushions' or filigree bolsters as put by the pro.

The price for the amount of work involved was EXTREMELY competitive.
Not like the extortionate amount I was asked today to install a new aerial in Dads car (I'll be doing that myself). Sorry I needed to get that out!

He (Neil) then offered some advice regarding prevention of further metal decay. All I can say is how pleased I am for having contacted this Gentleman. A true professional and an invaluable asset to his trade!

Thanks once again ganboyi, red96ta and Obie for your replies.

[burns420]

Im somewhat new to this myself but if that were mine I would just get some good metal polish like Maas or Flitz and go at the blade for a while, It would make a huge difference and protect the steel. Its looks far too worn to be useable for shaving since the edge is up into the shoulder, so youd pobably have to do some grinding there to get a good bevel for shaving. Its got beautiful scales though, and family history is always great to go along with something like this.