I'm relatively new to straights (going on 3 months) which means of course I jumped into honing and have been buying cheapies on fleaBay to practice on. This Red Imp was one of my first acquisitions and I have to consider it my prime learning experience. When it arrived I noticed the chip in the toe. (Yes, it was visible in the pictures but I didn't notice until I checked more closely after it arrived. Hence my classification as a learning experience.)
Upon further scrutiny, the spacer is partially split because the toe actually lands on the spacer instead of clearing it to fit between the scales. My guess is that at some point (no pun intended) the blade lodged, had some lateral torque applied and, ... ping!
The blade and spine have some significant corrosion as well, but the remainder of the edge is pretty sharp so I assume it will take an edge.
I'm not yet to the point of wanting to try a restoration, and I was recently PIFed a superb honing, so perhaps this is my first opportunity to keep the momentum going. If anyone is interested in taking on a restoration project, I'd be happy to PIF this razor to you. Just leave a comment saying you're in and I'll select a winner by random number Sunday evening.
-- Alan
Upon further scrutiny, the spacer is partially split because the toe actually lands on the spacer instead of clearing it to fit between the scales. My guess is that at some point (no pun intended) the blade lodged, had some lateral torque applied and, ... ping!
The blade and spine have some significant corrosion as well, but the remainder of the edge is pretty sharp so I assume it will take an edge.
I'm not yet to the point of wanting to try a restoration, and I was recently PIFed a superb honing, so perhaps this is my first opportunity to keep the momentum going. If anyone is interested in taking on a restoration project, I'd be happy to PIF this razor to you. Just leave a comment saying you're in and I'll select a winner by random number Sunday evening.
-- Alan
