Straight Razor - Worth Keeping?

amcardon

amcardon

Joined
Jun 29, 2009
Messages
942
This razor was left in the house my wife grew up in, used by the previous owner who was a very old family friend. The blade has been played with , tossed around, etc and the edge is severely cracked (shown, or attempted to be shown, in photo) all the way to the ridge (I don't know what you guys call it, the ridge just after the blade edge, not the spine).

I'm new to straight razors and I'm wondering is there anything to do besides throw it out? Cut it off at the break? Yes, I realize there is a LOT of rust on it as well and I'm hoping I can clean that off and replace the scales, I'm just wondering if the blade is even salvageable to start a restoration project or if I should just toss the darn thing...

Thanks guys!

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Looks bad....What's a decent razor like that cost $40-60? I'd personally toss it. Unless there is any family value to it.
 
The only way to save it is to grind off the part that's cracked. Then you might to able to make the shortened portion serviceable. The surface rust doesn't present that big of a problem, but if the edge is pitted it will need to be ground upward until you have clean metal. If you can overcome those issues, why not take a shot at the restoration. A short length of rubber hose make a great backer when sanding the hollows of a straight razor.

If you are interested, Bill Ellis has a very helpful CD on restoring razors.
 
Thanks guys, that's what I was hoping to hear - wasn't sure if cutting off the broken end would be acceptable or not, and it needs new scales anyway so I will get on that as well.

Thanks guys, I'll let you know how it progresses!
 
I decided what the heck, I can attempt what restoration is possible and if it works out then great and if not I'm not out anything, right? Anyway, after about 10 minutes with some 1500 wet/dry this is what she looks like. You can actually see the name in her now. On one side it says "London Cutlery Co. Limited" and on the other side it says "Fire Check Razor Pat. Feb. 18, 1902"

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Can you guys tell me anything about this razor?
 
I did grind the tip off and had Larry Andro hone it with a couple others I sent him (he didn't charge me anything for the stubby little guy). I pinned it up but haven't finished the wedge so it's just been sitting. I got sidetracked on another project, an old Friedr done up in purpleheart scales... First resto and I was pretty happy with it!
 
Usually cracks that are only a 1/8" or less can be honed out. That one looks about that to me but I might be wrong. Maybe throw it in a tumbler with some more abrasive media like walnut or whatever and that should clean it up real nice in about 2 days. Looks good though, I can never throw out a razor unless it is totally messed up and will have no use or collectable value. Nice find though and good work cleaning it up as much as you did.
 
The experience value of trying to save it alone is worth hanging on to it. I only have a few straights, but I keep every one I get, just in case there's a truly awesome shaver under the humble exterior. Beisdes, restoring (or more often in my case, trying to restore) razors is a bucket of fun and a good way to spend a lazy sunday.
 
I totally agree with you. This razor was scaled up but didn't like it so I took it out of the scales. I have some red acrylic scales that I made for another razor that didn't work out and since this is short an' stubby now I think I can cut them down and make them work for this one. Should be a nice little razor once I get around to it. Still need to finish an 8/8 Fromm Red Head scaled up in padauk first!
 
amcardon, if you send it to me and pay for return shipping, i'll see what i can do to clean it up a little more and get it shaving sharp again.
 
Thanks for the offer, Richard! I want to try to finish up the scales first but I might take you up on it! I (somewhat intentionally) have not posted current pics of the blade. It doesn't look much like the last pic at all. Anyway, I will try to get some pics up soon just don't know when I'll get much of a chance to work on it - this term of med school is rapidly coming to a close and my "hobby time" is being dramatically decreased. Dumb school taking up all my time... ;)
 
ok, just send me an email if you are going to send me the blade. med school is not dumb if you help people unlike most doctors i have been to that have only been interested in making money.
 
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