Newbie - Grandfather's straight razor - advice?

[Trouthunter]

Hi - Advice appreciated. I have my Grandfather's straight (he used up until his death at 94 - amazing), unfortunately his strope and hones were discarded by family many years ago. (I may have one or two of his fine/finish stones in a box..)

What I am wondering is:
What do I have here - vintage? quality? etc. (We have such great knowledge amongst you all here at B&B!)
Is this a forgiving blade or for-experienced-only users?
(Would this be a good straight for me to start with OR would I regret it?)
Best strope and stones to use on this one?

I am new to B&B this past month having recently started DE shaving as my first step to using a straight. I am sure we have resources that may answer some of my questions - feel free to point me there.

Thanks for the feedback, oh gents of B&B.

 

[johnmrson]

Can you tell us what is stamped onto the razor tang?

 

[Trouthunter]

The tange reads simply: Solingen
Germany

The tange also has gripping ridges on the top and bottom. (pretty aggressive ridges, IMO - realizing I have only experience with this sample n=1).

 

[Trouthunter]

Oh - and I looked for any other icons or text - don't see any except for the filigree etched/payed on blade shown in pic.

 

[Trouthunter]

Only other info I can add: Grandpa died in 1987 at 94. Not sure if that helps (other than it was made prior to 1987).

 

[johnmrson]

For a start, it's made in Solingen which is an area of Germany where all the good German cutlery companies were based. It doesn't look very old. I'd take a guess and say 1960's - 1970's. Although there is no makers mark on it, the box looks very much like a Dovo box so if I had to put a name to it my guess would be that it was made by Dovo.

 

[tomjr]

usually solingen made blades are of good quality. the blade is a spike point i believe, which is not considered the most forgiving 4 beginners to learn on. that being said many have learned on and use these, including myself. it is a family heirloom to be treasured and used IMO.

 

[Doc226]

That is a nice razor. Looks like a dovo.

It appears to be in great shape, get her honed and use it.

You will need a strop to continue to use the razor. I would suggest getting the poor mans strop kit from Larry.

http://whippeddog.com/products/view/poor-man-strop-kit

If you need to have the razor honed send me a pm.

 

[thatsilverguy]

It does look like a nice razor, but it also looks like it was well-used. It does not look particularly old to me but I would defer to JohnMrson's greater experience. I think that most of us would like to see more pics - that one looks like it was taken while the razor is in a display case. Many of us would like to see the other side, some good close shots of the edge, and down the blade to see if the blade is warped.

If I inherited it I would never sell it. I would carefully remove the rust, deal with the "devil spit", hone it up and shave with it every day. There is a lot of good advice on B&B on how to use it.

 

[Trouthunter]

Thanks everyone. I will take better shots tonight with macro lens detail and post for feedback and advice. I really appreciate the input. I look forward to getting her is shape and having a go with straight razoring as part of my face maintenance (and rough treatment for a time...) routine.

 

[jason192783]

"Is this a forgiving blade or for-experienced-only users?"

You must come from DE shaving

Also, Solingen = quality

"Would this be a good straight for me to start with OR would I regret it?"
You would regret it, do NOT start with it, it's a unique and special razor

"Best strope and stones to use on this one?"
Read some guides on the matter, stropping and honing must be done in cautionous fashion and are skills to be learnt, don't expect to be able to do it right, right away; I actually advise to let an experienced honer, do your honing for now, so you know what true shave ready means; if possible let someone teach you how to strop properly as well, you'll probably roll your edge quicker than you can blink your eyes

If I inherited it I would never sell it.

Anyone who does this, I'll personally come and kick your *** for you

 

[Kentos]

Welcome to B&B!!

Lots of great advice! I wish I had a family heirloom like that. .

 

[Slash McCoy]

If you let Doc hone it, be sure to wipe all that slimy smelly mojo off of it before shaving. Ewwww.... Wanna end up looking like Austin Powers?

Whoever hones it, ask them to mute the tip a little for you. It makes the razor much less bloodthirsty.

The Poor Man Strop Kit is a good introductory strop system. It consists of a very cheap and basic hanging strop that you can hack up while learning to strop, and not lose much sleep over. Also there is a pasted balsa block that will help you to maintain your edge for a long time before it needs honing again. Get it from Larry at www.whippeddog.com. Oh, and he also has some dandy badger brushes for dirt cheap.

Even though the Poor Man is meant to be a sacrificial strop for the newbie to slice up, you still want it to last a LITTLE while. So initially, for the first few days try stropping on newspaper. Simply fold a sheet longways over and over until it is about as wide as the edge of your razor is long. Pass one end over your towel bar. Pinch both ends together and pull it tight. Instant, disposable strop. Works okay, though leather is certainly preferred. Maybe you will make all your booboos on the newspaper and spare your poor man from all harm. When you are ready for a strop upgrade, you can use the poor man for a travel strop.

 

[deafficianado]

That if a fine vintage quality straight razor your grandpa kept in good shape. You won't have any regrets shaving with this. Use this database: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Interactive_Guide_to_Straight_Razor_Shaving

 

[Trouthunter]

Updated pics - if it helps advise OR feeds your soul.

BTW: this will never be sold, not to worry. It is what brought me to this wonderful community!
Enjoie!

 

[Slash McCoy]

I would say that is pretty nice work, for your first attempt. Now to hone it!

Are you going to use rocks, or lapping film?

 

[Slash McCoy]

Oops wrong thread!

 

[Doc226]

Looks great

 

[Wid]

Very nice, you are one lucky fella. Let Doc hone it up for ya and get to using it.