Is this a good razor?

[Jim1968]

I got this razor from my father a few years ago. He got it from his father and never used it and gave it to me, since I use a DE razor. On the razor it says Torrey razor company Worcester, Mass. It measures 13/16" from the spine to the blade edge. One edge has some extremely small pitting. I have included some pictures of what it looks like. It does look better than what my cell phone camera can show.

Is this a quality straight edge and would it be worth sending it to someone to make it shave ready? Any other information about this razor would be much appreciated.

Thanks

 

[KZero]

I'm not seeing anything that would make me think it wouldn't be a great shaver, once properly honed.
Indeed, it looks to be in much better shape than most handed-down vintage razors I've seen posted.

Congrats on a nice blade. Have it honed and enjoy!

 

[Mike H]

Vintage American Steel is great, congratulations on the family heirloom. It looks to have a slight frown, but should hone up fine. Yes, it is a quality razor and could provide a lifetime of service.

 

[Chaloney]

LOoks very good. Slight frown in the edge but nothing a competent honer couldn't get corrected fairly easily

 

[Jim1968]

I did not notice the slight frown. When I look at it I can see what you are talking about. Thanks for the info.

 

[hillbilly pick]

If you are planning on honing it, be ready for some work. Torrey razors are some hard steel. Great when you get it there but will take some time. Get a know flat surface like a baber hone and lay the edge on the home and hold it up to a bright light. If you see light in some places, like in the middle, you have a frown. If you do, plan on a good few hours of work getting it flat.

I have a near wedge that I took down to a norton 220 and is still a bear.

 

[hillbilly pick]

On secon look. It looks as thought the bevel runs out before reaching the toe. Might just need to knock down to toe a bit.

 

[Dngolden]

Having grown up in Worcester MA, if you decide to ditch it, let me know. It be great as a piece of history.

 

[Jim1968]

I have never done anything with a straight razor before and don't own any accessories. I will have it hone by someone else because when I tried to sharpen a knife it did not hold the edge at all. I don't want to destroy this for the sake of learning how to hone a razor.

 

[Jim1968]

Having grown up in Worcester MA, if you decide to ditch it, let me know. It be great as a piece of history.

I will keep you in mind. But I wouldn't hold my breathe though. At least I know the city still exists.

 

[hillbilly pick]

You ever find yourself in louisville? If you do PM me and you can come by the house and we will hone it up.

 

[hillbilly pick]

It has been handed down, you may as well give it a try to get it shaving.

 

[Jim1968]

You ever find yourself in louisville? If you do PM me and you can come by the house and we will hone it up.

Thanks for the offer. Since it is from my grandfather, I am a little apprehensive about sending it off. I will PM you if I am heading that way and see if we can link up.

 

[Chaloney]

I did not notice the slight frown. When I look at it I can see what you are talking about. Thanks for the info.

I've had two razors with frowns. One I knew about, one I didn't not I've until another user here (doc226) pointed it out. Once you've seen a couple they become more noticeable.

Having grown up in Worcester MA, if you decide to ditch it, let me know. It be great as a piece of history.

Torrey made a lot of razors. They are easy to find and often make great shavers. Watch the b/s/t and the bay for a few days and you'll see them.
heres one:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...S-Lot-Ink-WTTF-Coticule-Soap-Cream-Floid-Blue
not the nicest one I've seen but looks like it would shave well. Lots more out there too