Grandma brought some goodies over.

Psyop

Psyop

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Oct 17, 2011
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I mentioned an interest in straight razors to my mom. She told my grandma and next thing I know I have this pile of goodies. I am new to all this and not sure if any of it is going to be able to be restored. The one is rusted shut, the other is some kind of desposable blade. Not sure how usable something like that is. The other might be able to be cleaned up. What do you all think?

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Hummm. Interesting stuff.

The first razor appears to have had a rather nasty chip near the heel that was "repaired" once upon a time. The rust looks like it *could* be surface bloom that could be cleaned up and the remainder of the blade could be honed. In all honesty, many collectors would probably call it done and possibly pilfer the scales for another project...being an heirloom, I would try and make use of it...if nothing else, there is nothing to lose.

The second has some interesting scales for sure. You (or I) could remove the scales and have a better look at that blade. I think it is a case where you must do something or it will deteriorate to oblivion otherwise. I hate to unpin an heirloom (or remove patina) but that appears to be a case where it would be necessary for the survival of the piece.

The third is something I have no experience with...sorry.

The mug and brush are perhaps the coolest pieces you have. If the brush is usable, simply shampoo it and go to it. If it is brittle and junk, you can either set it on a shelf, or remove the knot and purchase a new knot for it. That handle might be something really special;)

The mug is probably good to go...there is not much to go wrong with those that is not obvious.

You have some neat stuff there. I would either start reading up on it, or make a trip here sometime and we can restore them together.

Thanks for sharing!
 
unit said:
Hummm. Interesting stuff.

The first razor appears to have had a rather nasty chip near the heel that was "repaired" once upon a time. The rust looks like it *could* be surface bloom that could be cleaned up and the remainder of the blade could be honed. In all honesty, many collectors would probably call it done and possibly pilfer the scales for another project...being an heirloom, I would try and make use of it...if nothing else, there is nothing to lose.

The second has some interesting scales for sure. You (or I) could remove the scales and have a better look at that blade. I think it is a case where you must do something or it will deteriorate to oblivion otherwise. I hate to unpin an heirloom (or remove patina) but that appears to be a case where it would be necessary for the survival of the piece.

The third is something I have no experience with...sorry.

The mug and brush are perhaps the coolest pieces you have. If the brush is usable, simply shampoo it and go to it. If it is brittle and junk, you can either set it on a shelf, or remove the knot and purchase a new knot for it. That handle might be something really special;)

The mug is probably good to go...there is not much to go wrong with those that is not obvious.

You have some neat stuff there. I would either start reading up on it, or make a trip here sometime and we can restore them together.

Thanks for sharing!
Click to expand...

Thanks I was really hoping the black one would be usable with a bit of work. It is just surface rust no pitting. The edge is not even however. So Im guessing that will take a bit of re-profiling or what not. The brush is nice and soft. Is the mug a purpose made shaving mug?
 
It is hard to say on the mug, but judging from the lip on it, it appears that it would suck for drinking...and therefore was likely made for lather;)

If the brush is soft it should be GTG. And if it lets you down, you can replace the knot fairly easily and economically.

Most heirlooms like these are worth a little on the secondary market (and I do mean little), but they are priceless to the family...for this reason I say do whatever it takes to make them usable and enjoyable.

If you want to tackle any of these yourself, go for it. The pins are simply rods that are hammered on the ends to peen them (mushroom head holds the washer in place). There are numerous methods for removing pins, and you can probably figure out the best way (I usually grind them off with a mini die grinder or dremmel)...just be very careful that you only remove enough to get the washer off and not damage the scale.

Then you can start polishing the rust off the blade...Tip: Start with finer grit than you think you need. You can always move to coarser if you need. Best to use an eraser (like you had in grade school), an old cork, and some stiff rubber hoses as sanding blocks with wet/dry sand paper. Power tools move very fast, so I do not recommend them unless you are skilled;)

Keep me posted:D
 
As someone who restores and makes razors, personally, the first one is too far gone. Clean it, oil it, put it on a shelf.

The second one has celluloid scales that look salvageable, soak it in some mineral oil and see if it loosens up. There is no lock or anything other than friction holding it shut, or the pin/pivot has rusted so badly it won't open. It will need to be repinned to be saved for the next 80-100 years.

I'm not familiar with the replacable blade one, but it looks to be in good shape. They are commonly called shavettes. Can you make out any makers marks?

The brush is a good score, I would replace the knot for sure. Its not hard to do. Even if the brush feels soft, its likly to deteriorate once you begin using it. It should be stamped on the bottom with a makers name and model. The Golden Nib is an excellent source for brush knots, also whipped dog has good ones too.

I can't tell from the pic, but the mug almost looks like milk glass, white colored glass rather than ceramic like a coffee mug. That would be a cool score if it was milk glass. Either way, you got a nice brush and mug that will work for (and improve) any type of shaving if you don't already wet shave.

Go down to your local drug store and pick up some Van der Hagen soap, and possibly Williams shave soap. Also look for Real Shaving Co. Shave cream in the tube. They all can give excelent shaves.


-Xander
 
The more I look at that first razor, the more challenges I see. It has a nice frown, but it will probably get worked out with the bevel correction anyway. I have an idea or two for that chipped heel. If you want to use it, I would argue that it is not a lost cause. It takes more than that for me to give up on an heirloom...Not everyone gets these opportunities, many of these simply get tossed or sold in estate auctions in a box with other assorted items.

The second one certainly is a mystery, but the spine looks to be pitted...if it is a wedge there might be something left. I sure would not offer any guarantees, but I definitely would offer some enthusiasm;)
 
My personal opinion, if they had all come to me, would be to clean up all the rust, make sure the there is no degradation of the celluloid and put them on display. The fact that someone in your family used them is enough value to keep them, even if using them isn't possible. A good soak of mineral oil should loosen up the stuck one, hoping for the best, but it may be gone.
At least you have a great looking heirloom mug and brush handle to use.
 
The brush is a Surrey. The knot (hair) is shot. You can buy a new one for $6 - $7 and most common drug stores sell them under the "Van Der Hagen" brand.

You can either display it as is, clean it up and display it, or as others have stated. . .clean the handle up and put a new knot in it.

If you need help/guidance in reknotting it. . . .let me know.
 
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