Newbie to Restoration! What do I need?

[asj1991]

Hey all, I am totally brand new to honing, restoring, and all of the like. I just got 8 vintage razors for $20 at a flea market, and plan to get more. (pics coming soon) The razors all are in rough shape, but definitely workable. Most have small amounts of rust, pitting, and miscellaneous staining. The edges are dull, but have no major chips or cracks. A couple do not close perfectly centered, and some have rust on the pivot point. There is one with a small amount of a scale missing, but the rest of the scales are in good condition.
I am looking for some advice on equipment. I want to start in steps, so first, what equipment do I need to polish, remove rust and grime, and generally improve the appearance, without worrying about honing?
Secondly, what will I need in order to hone these to shave ready? I appreciate names and grits of stones, but would really appreciate links to good reputable stones and products.
I appreciate the help and will definitely post pics as I progress.


Thanks!

[thewatermark]

If ur cleaning rust grime ect a good metal polish like Maas or flitz works great, if u want to restore the razor wet/dry 3m sandpaper works great in grits from 80,120,220,320,400,600,800,1k,1500,2k read the workshop sticky for tons on tons of info, and have fun !!!

[ryanjewell]

Yeah, the sticky threads in "The Workshop" forum have more information than you can shake a stick at for restoration...

Honing is an altogether different animal and most people would suggest starting with a norton 220/1000 and 4000/8000...but to be honest, with antique store finds, more times than not you will need to set a new bevel. I'm not saying this is impossible for someone who has never honed before, but you might be better off (at first) sending it to a honemeister for the initial hone, get some time in with the stones, and THEN tackle it yourself. Also, if you have a pro do it, it sets a standard to know what you are aiming for with your own honing skills.

Best of luck!

[ryanjewell]

Also, for the norton stones...you can go here: http://www.whippeddog.com/products/v...one-set-a0727p

If you dont need the full sized stones...this is a decent deal...if you do, there is an amazon like on that page where you can buy full-sized

[cpcohen1945]

Also, if you have a pro do it, it sets a standard to know what you are aiming for with your own honing skills.

+1.

If these are your first straight razors, and you don't have any experience shaving with a straight razor:

. . . Send _one_ razor (whichever is in the best condition) to somebody else for honing.

That will give you a benchmark for "sharp".

When a razor that you have honed, shaves as well as the one _he_ honed, you'll have accomplished something.

Charles

PS -- I started out with a razor that needed a frown removed and a full bevel reset. It took a while (with lots of help here), but that's how you learn.

[asj1991]

I'm sorry I guess I wasnt too clear about that haha. I am very comfortable shaving, just starting to get into honing... sounds like I need to do some hardcore research into setting a bevel!

[membudo]

Look into Coticules. They can be had for a reasonable price especially if you buy a "bout". this website gives honing info and lots of info about the belgian stone. http://www.coticule.be/home.html A good coticule can be used to set bevels with a slurry, then as a finisher with just water. This website has pages devoted to coticules that are for sale and the qualities you can expect from them [URL="http://thesuperiorshave.com/index.html"]. IMHO a coticule gives one fine shave and is certainly a fine addition to any restore tool box. Happy hunting I am on the same path.