Just picked up a straight at an antique store...

[shadowblade]

I'm on vacation in Stratford, Ontario, and the group I'm with went to an antique store. On a whim, I decided to pick up a straight razor (been shaving with a DE for over a year now, this would be my first straight). It has "H. Boker" engraved on the blade. The edge of the blade appears in tact, but it definitely needs sharpening and probably a good cleaning too.

Suggestions for sharpening supplies on the cheap and how to go about cleaning it up and sterilizing it (for when I cut myself - I can almost guarentee I will).

Note: I can post pictures, if desired.

 

[gollum83]

Oh you picked up a Boker? I don't have any myself, but they have a reputation for being excellent shavers. How does she look? Could you post some pictures? That might give us all a better idea how much cleaning, if any, it needs.

As far as sharpen goes, unless you're really planning on getting into using and restoring straights, you're probably best out sending it off to a honemeister for honing.

 

[shadowblade]

Bah! Turns out I actually forgot the USB cable for my camera, so pictures will have to wait until tomorrow night.

There seems to just be a little bit of grime on the inside of the scales, and bits of the blade seem to have some kind of black residue - this could be a finish that is simply wearing off.

I guess I got lucky - I didn't have a chance to do any research before hand on what is good and what isn't. The fact that I actually spotted it was lucky - it was almost entirely inside the original case in the back of a glass cabinet.

 

[gollum83]

Bah! Turns out I actually forgot the USB cable for my camera, so pictures will have to wait until tomorrow night.

There seems to just be a little bit of grime on the inside of the scales, and bits of the blade seem to have some kind of black residue - this could be a finish that is simply wearing off.

I guess I got lucky - I didn't have a chance to do any research before hand on what is good and what isn't. The fact that I actually spotted it was lucky - it was almost entirely inside the original case in the back of a glass cabinet.

In that case, all it might need is a little polish. Sounds like an excellent find regardless.

 

[shadowblade]

Do you have a reccomendation for a honemeister by mail, if you will, other than Lynn Abrams? Do you have any experience with her - how long could I expect to wait?

 

[gollum83]

Do you have a reccomendation for a honemeister by mail, if you will, other than Lynn Abrams? Do you have any experience with her - how long could I expect to wait?

First Lynn's most definitely male. Second, I haven't a clue how long you would be waiting as I have never had the pleasure of getting anything honed by him, but if there's a substantial wait, it might be worth it from the things you here.

In all honesty though, if the blade just needs to be sharped, with no restoration work needing to be done, one of the members here is doing free honing for the summer. You can find more information in this thread here. I don't have any personal experience with Leighton's honing skills, though I do know he moves quite a few straights here in the Vendor's Corner, so he can't be all that bad.

 

[gugi]

Do you have a reccomendation for a honemeister by mail, if you will, other than Lynn Abrams? Do you have any experience with her - how long could I expect to wait?

Not sure of Lynn's current backlog, but I would recommend gssixgun (glen). You'll get it back as good at it can be.

 

[Leche]

Lynn Abrams? Do you have any experience with her

Lynn is a guy. I see that was already pointed out by Matt. I'm sure Lynn would get a kick out of it. Give him a call at Straight Razor Designs to get the details. There is also this list. Good luck with your straight.

 

[shadowblade]

First Lynn's most definitely male.

Oops

Thanks all, for your info. I'll still be posting pictures tonight to see what you guys think.

 

[leighton]

If its not in need of restoration and the edge isn't dull enough to run your finger across, I'm offering free honing right now.

 

[shadowblade]

Sorry for the long delay:

Razor with case and Henry Weinhard's cap for scale

Best attempt at the dirt and grime inside the scales

Profile

Angle

 

[mdunn]

thats some kind of toe wear!

still, thats certainly better than a rusty cracked edge.

 

[RetroGrouch]

Yeah, that blade is very worn. That's not to say you couldn't still shave with it after honing, but I wouldn't spend money on honing/restoration for that razor.

If you want to get into straight shaving, look for a basic shave-ready straight in the Buy&Sell. They go for as little as $25 or so.

 

[leighton]

Well, theres hone wear, and then there is hone wear.

And then there is that. Obviously, someone, or several people, have really really really loved that razor. Either case, its shaving days are past. I personally would not bother. As you can tell, the tip is so far gone that the grind resembles a wedge. The razor was originally at least 5/8", from the pictures, the tip looks like its 3/8" or less and the heel looks like it is 4/8"; and only because the shoulder prevented the owner from honing it as thoroughly as he did the toe.

Not sure how to say this nicely, but its probably best to let the little Boker die with dignity.

 

[shadowblade]

Oh well.
I figured it was worth a shot.

 

[gugi]

Oh well.
I figured it was worth a shot.

and now you know why I tell new guys to buy something that's already fixed and honed. when you have no experience it's always a gamble (and even if you have experience, you can only be sure it can shave after it's been honed and tested).

 

[SavantStrike]

Well, theres hone wear, and then there is hone wear.

And then there is that. Obviously, someone, or several people, have really really really loved that razor. Either case, its shaving days are past. I personally would not bother. As you can tell, the tip is so far gone that the grind resembles a wedge. The razor was originally at least 5/8", from the pictures, the tip looks like its 3/8" or less and the heel looks like it is 4/8"; and only because the shoulder prevented the owner from honing it as thoroughly as he did the toe.

Not sure how to say this nicely, but its probably best to let the little Boker die with dignity.

Agreed. I say he should keep it though. If he ever starts honing his own blades, he could hone it up for an interesting wedgehollow. I would... It probably wouldn't be the greatest shaver though.

 

[Fnord5]

I do not think it's shaving days are past.
After all, someone was shaving with it up till the end.

Any honemeister could do it up nice, and it should be smooth shaving.

Bill Ellis and Seraphim, both had/have razors that taper to a smaller width at the toe from the factory, so it isn't a matter of size or shape, just difficulty in getting an even hone.
I believe I do too, it looks like hone wear, but the spine is of identical thickness from the heel to the toe(+-.0003)

I say give it a shot.

Mine, a boker as well, for reference.