Thread: First project questions

First of all, let me say hello and introduce myself to the forum. I'm Nathan and have been DE shaving for about a month. I do love it, but my interest is taking the seemingly natural progression towards straight shaving. I purchased a Dovo Best Quality 6/8" from Vintage Blades and am loving it so far. My learning curve is a bit steeper because I wear a beard and only shave my head. Not many tutorials or videos on techniques to do that.

Moving on to my questions. I made a few ignorant and partially uninformed Ebay purchases that I would like to run by everyone. My intention is to do as much restoring as I possibly can on my own. I'm looking for any information, advice, or history you can give me on these 3 razors. I don't care much about their value, as I have probably already spent far more than they're worth obtaining them. However, I'll tell you what I paid and you can tell me how badly I did for my education and future reference.

First, I bought a G. Johnson 6/8" full wedge with what I believe would be called a spike point. It has warping bone scales that need replacing. There is only rust on the edge of the toe, some minor pitting visible through the grime on the blade. No chips that I can see. I can't find much about this company online other than an approx. date of 1850. I paid $58 shipped.

Second I bought a pair of what I thought were J.A. Henckels. I paid $38 for the pair shipped.

The first is a J.A. Henckels Twin Works #41 with BLUE STEEL on the reverse side of the blade. It is a 5/8 quarter hollow with squared toe. The blade is in gorgeous condition and only a bit dirty, but still mirrored and sharp. The scales are black plastic but have no logo on them. Rescaled? Can anyone tell me about the #41?

The second is a Henckels & Hammesfahr #91. 5/8 half hollow spike point. Ivory colored plastic scales with the "k over w" logo. I can't find much about this company online either. Again, does anyone know about them or the #91. The blade is dirty and "patina'd" (if I may make up a word) but not pitted or rusting to the best of my knowledge.

As I said, I'm looking to dive into the world of resoration and any starting points or advice on how to go about handling these three razors would be so very much appreciated. I've spent hours reading these forums over the past month and have alot more (a lifetime actually) reading and practice to do.

Thank you and God Bless.

Nathan Wilson

Welcome to SRP

I think you did pretty good so far
Id probably start with the spike and a little steel wool(keep fingers away from the edge)
And maybe lighter fluid for cleaning the scales
but depending on what you wish to do read this http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...wers-here.html

After that you will probably need to send it out for honing(if you decide to practise on one of them dont do it to the wedge)

Are you sure thats a full wedge?
looks like it has hone wear and a bevel so i would guess near wedge to 1/4 hollow

I cannot speak for the G. Johnson or the J.A. Henckels Twin Works first hand. Have never heard of the G. Johnson but the Henckels have a good reputation.

I can, however speak for the Hammesfahr. The first razor i purchased was a Gotlieb Hammesfahr. I dont know much about the company other than they are from Germany, made straight razors, cutlery and knives in the first half of the 1900's. They made the daggers for the Waffen SS for Nazi Germany. I have not heard of them being in any kind of partnership with Henckels or any one else for that matter so you may have discovered a piece of history that I have not heard of. If that is the case, then please expand any knowledge to me about it.

The guy that hones my razors had a little difficulty honing my Hammesfahr but it shaves pretty good in my opinion.

Good luck and welcome to SRP.

Ken