Treasure or Trash? Great-Uncles Straight Razor. Picts!

[NightLad]

Hi everybody,

I’m looking for a bit of advice on whether or not to have my great-uncles razor restored. It has been sitting in a small steel WWII kit drum, twice the size of a soup can, for the past 20-30 years give or take, not really sure. My father gave it to me today after we discussed my enjoyment of straight razor shaving. I only saw it once or twice as a kid and my dad would not let me touch it. I totally forgot about its existence until today!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/NightLad333/Eatons1.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/NightLad333/Eatons2.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/NightLad333/Eatons3.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/NightLad333/Eatons4.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/NightLad333/Eatons5.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v649/NightLad333/Eatons6.jpg

The front of the tang is marked “Eaton” along with "85." On the back it reads “Krusius Brothers.” The blade it etched with the words “Diamond Edge.” I’ve learned that Krusius Brothers was based in Germany, although this particular blade does not bare a “Germany” brand. Some tarnish, surface rust in a couple places, but no pitting as far as I can tell. The edge needs to be re-honed but no chips that I can detect.

Is this razor worth the cost of restoring, or should I hold on to it purely as a keepsake? Any professionals care to hazard a guess as to restoring fees? PMs are fine if you don’t want to post. I’m just curious at this point.

Much appreciated!

 

[Luc]

I am no straight razor expert but it looks fine to start with (good condition). If it's something from my family I would restore it and keep it!

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Straight Razors passed down to family members are certainly worth having restored. Here is a before and after pic of my Great Great Grandfather's 1850's Era Wade & Butcher that was restored earlier this year. I'd say restore away Sir!

 

[leighton]

It looks in good condition to me. No rust on the blade. Might leave some pitting where the rust is, but should clean up great. Cost would be reasonable. PM me if interested.

P.S. I would get it cleaned up and honed. And I would do it soon, the sooner the rust leaves the blade, the better.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Ken at RupRazor did the restore on the straight.... Wonderful gentleman he also did others for me.

 

[TstebinsB]

Ken at RupRazor did the restore on the straight.... Wonderful gentleman he also did others for me.

I've started to use him based on your recommendation of him on the forum. I hope to post photos of his masterful recreations soon.

 

[mrgad]

I’m looking for a bit of advice on whether or not to have my great-uncles razor restored. It has been sitting in a small steel WWII kit drum, twice the size of a soup can, for the past 20-30 years give or take, not really sure. My father gave it to me today after we discussed my enjoyment of straight razor shaving. I only saw it once or twice as a kid and my dad would not let me touch it. I totally forgot about its existence until today!

The way I make my decisions, I would have to recommend YES based on what you've written above, and the excitement inherent in the exclamation point with which you conclude the paragraph. Your razor already has a story -- a story that will grow and continue to be told as you take it through the restoration process, then put it to use yourself and eventually pass it down.

I wish all decisions were this easy! (Exclamation point very much intentional.)