ID help please.

[gmgaj]

I went to an antique mall, and ended up with 4 straights, and was trying to get some info on them. Any help would be appreciated, since I know nothing about straight razors. I got a deal, so I took a chance on an unknown. I was considering cleaning them up, but if one of them is something rare, I'll end up leaving that to someone with more experience. I'd hate to ruin something that wasn't replaceable. Here they are:

First, a Rau Cutlery from KC, Mo. It has Jdeal on the back of the blade. The scales are sort of cool, IMO with brown and black on them.

Second, a Wester Bros DE-Fi. Black scales.

Third, an unmarked razor that splits to allow a blade to be inserted. The writing on the scales reads Compliments of W.C. Ellis, Derby Products Nickerson, Kansas 1925.

Finally, a Durham duplex.

 

[newtobengall]

Agreed those timber scales are cool, We will be needing better pics of the first 2 m8, Wester bro's were made in GER, and NY, and there not bad, the 1 below it is an old disposible straight (prob 1925, lol) its cool, id fix it up and keep it, The Duplex not so much, lol.

 

[gmgaj]

The first one says made in germany underneath the rau cutlery, and the second says solingen germany underneath the wester bros. Let me know what additional photos would help, and I will try to get better ones for you. I also have calipers and can get other measurements if that would help. Thanks!

 

[tomjr]

those wester's take a nice edge, nice score. tom

 

[morganjg]

those wester's take a nice edge, nice score. tom

+1. I have a Wester Brothers Anchor that I bought off the bay. A bit of buffing and cleaning, a good hone and it is at the top of my rotation. Very nice razors indeed.

 

[gmgaj]

The more I mess with them, the more I think I'm not the one who should be restoring these. They are cool, and the scales appear to be intact, so I think they should probably be brought back to life by someone who knows what they are doing. I'd be sick if I ruined one of the top 2. You will likely see them on the BST in a day or 2.

 

[gmgaj]

What sort of blades will the WC Ellis use? It looks like maybe injector blades would fit, but I'm not sure. I think I'm going to clean up the bottom 2 and try them out just for fun.