Assessing blades

[pc44730]

I'm just starting out with straight razors. I went to a flea market looking for really great deals on restorable razors with little idea of what to look for. I found a Shumate with an almost clear and broken yellow scale on one side, black on the other side, no serious pitting on the blade. I've since learned that razors from this manufacturer have a good reputation, but I had no way of knowing in the field.

My question is; what should one look for, assuming that pulling out a long list of great names wouldn't be helpful (not during negotiations at a flea market). Pitting in the wrong place is obviously bad. Broken scales are not a problem if the price is right (I paid a dollar) and one wishes to replace them. I've read that one could put the tip of the blade under one's thumbnail and snap the blade up. If there is a clear sharp note, that suggests the tempering is good. Is that useful?

My concern is that I passed on a really good looking wide bladed razor with no markings of any kind. I'm also concerned (though not very much, having paid only a dollar) that the Shumate may be past it's prime. There is serious wear along the side of the spine from much repeated honing.

So what does one look for?

Thanks,

CB

 

[aquilla]

not sure what to advise as to what to look for but im sure there will be some threads on here that can. a picture of the shumate would help people tell if its in good condition/easily restorable, and its always nice to see good finds

 

[jadam318]

I'm still relatively new to this, but I look out for obvious things (pitting on the shaving edge, chips in the blade, blade warping, major rust, things like that). You can often get a good idea from markings on the blade (if it has them). Blades from Sheffield, England or Germany were usually pretty good. I usually grab those up if the condition is good and the price is low.

Just some of my thoughts. You'll probably get some better advice from some of the more experience guys on here pretty soon.

 

[GsSixgun]

It is rather easy really...
I mean look for the "names" of course, but there are many many razors out there that only serious collectors know...
The American steel is the most over looked area out there period and I have seen American razors that will out shave anything that has ever come out of Solingen, Sheffield or Spain... but they are all smaller extreme hollow grinds so thankfully they are left for us that like them...

I haven't really found any vintage razors out there that flat won't shave or take an edge (in good shape)...

Look for the stamps, I would never buy any un-marked blade...

Worry more about the condition then the name, wear is not always a bad thing, just so long as it is light, and it is even... Uneven wear is bad excessive uneven wear is trash...

General rule of thumb cracks in the blade = trash
chip smaller than the bevel = fixable
chips larger than the bevel = Hmmmm you better be good...
Look at the blade, place the blade on the top of the glass counter if possible, is it straight, or is it warped???
Slight warps become more common with the age of the razor, older Sheffield's are notorious for warped heels...

These are just a few thing to look for... Now for people like me that actually restore razors Scales mean nothing unless that is the collectible part of the razor...

examples
DD's with broken scales are worth half
Many Boker's have identifiable scales
Any scales that have inlays or bolsters are more valuable on "Name" razors... ie: Puma, Dorko, Dovo, Filarmonica...
special scales, like a Cattaurugus Green Lizard or maybe a Robeson Shur-edge are valuable....
The closer to factory the better...

Rust / Pitting / Patina

I have heard people say "Oh I like a razor that shows it's age" so many times it is crazy, but trust me here if you ever want to re-sell the razor you want bright shiny steel....
I would never even think of putting an even slightly rusted razor on my face... I don't care what brand it is...
Pitting on heavy wedges is more acceptable than pitting on hollows, because there is more steel to polish it off there...

That is all I can think of off the top of my head there is also a great buying guide on e-bay for straight razors...

hope it helps a little anyway


PS: The thumbnail thing, I have never heard of that, It sounds as if you are talking about listening for a "Zing" in a singing razor but I wouldn't be snapping anything on one of those as you might really "snap" one...