I'm new to straight razor shaving, and have a question about vintage razors

[langecrew]

Hi guys!

I'm pretty new to straight razors. I got my first one about a month ago. I got this Dovo Black Star from StraigtRazorDesigns.com, and I managed to find a local tobacconist, that sells gentlemanly things, where I found a nice strop. So far, I really like it a lot!

Anyway, upon hearing about this the other day, my dad actually gave me some old razors that were apparently owned by my great grandfather.

I've managed to gather limited information about one of them, and apparently it's a "Sta-Sharp" razor purchased from Sear's sometime around the 1920's, I guess?

However, the other razor presents a slight problem. It's just as old, if not more so, and I don't think it's in the original packaging. I was curious if anybody out there knows a bunch about vintage razors, and would be willing to see if they can recognize this old razor I have here? I can post detailed pictures of the markings on the razor, but I haven't personally had much luck researching them online.


thanks guys, have a good day
-Langecrew-

 

[norman931]

Welcome to B&B! there were a zillion and one straight manufacturers, but if you could post a picture or two, I'm sure one of our resident know-it-alls could help you out. I have a shaving scuttle that belonged to my great-grandfather, but no razors. It's nice that your dad kept up with those.

 

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

Pictures are required.

 

[langecrew]

Hey all,

sorry I haven't responded in a while...computer problems :/

Anyway, here we go. My Dad gave me two old straight razors, a hone, and some sort of super old shaving travel kit. As I said, I've scrounged up information about one of the razors...it's a Sta-Sharp razor purchased from Sears.

I'm sure none of this stuff is actually worth anything, but that's not what I'm interested in. I'm primarily focused on learning anything about these items, if anyone recognizes them.

Razor from Sears:

Close-up of wear on blade:

Here are some pics of the razor that I can't identify yet. I'm pretty sure it's not in the original packaging.

Unknown Razor:

I also Received this hone:

Which also included the original 'Directions'

My dad also gave me this thing, which, as far as I can see, is some sort of shaving travel kit from like 1890 or something crazy. It is a wooden block, with a hone embedded in it. On the side of the block opposite the hone, there is felt. There is also a leather strop which attaches to the block and stretches over the felt. When you unbutton the strop, you see that the wooden block has a chamber carved in it, just big enough to hold a razor.

Seems like a travel kit to me? There are the faintest remnants of some sort of label along the side, but it is far beyond legible.

Does anybody know anything about these old things?


Thanks guys

 

[Leche]

That Swaty hone should be good as long as there isn't chips that will interfere. You will need to lap it flat and you can find that in Joel's guide. The Sta-Sharp looks wonderful. The second you is good steel as it Soligen. I can't tell you much more about it and am curious if it has a frown. It kinda looks like it in the second photo but those can be deceiving. Send them out to be honed and the Swaty is used to freshen the edge, about 5 laps.