what did I just do?

[ScottinAZ]

Been looking for an affordable entry into straight razors (already do DE, figured straights would be cool as well). I won this auction this morning, and am hoping that I didn't screw up too bad.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/4-Vintage-S...r7ObM%2BBbeWTxB34k88k%3D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc

According to the shavewiki, the craftsman should be a decent blade (if in good condition), and the Pakistani is good for the scales (maybe). the others I know nothing about (diamond and wausten).

Once delivered, I intend to assess condition, and then send off to the local honemeister for a once over on the best two of the lot. the others will get shelved or possibly PIF'ed.

 

[Alum of Potash]

Those look good from the fuzzy pic. I'd be tempted by the Craftsman myself, as I have a Craftsman combo barber's hone. As far as local honemeisters go, and I'm assuming that this is in the American South-West from your alias, just make sure that they are experienced in sharpening razors as opposed to (or in addition to) knives.

 

[Johnsebesta]

You know for 35$ you might have lucked out. Hard to tell from the photo. The only questionable is the Pakistani. The others might be ok.

 

[ScottinAZ]

There is a honemeister listed as in Phoenix here on B&B, so that is where I was going to go.

I figured that for the price, I couldn't have messed up that bad......

 

[Alum of Potash]

Best thing about local honemeisters is that they may be willing to let you watch them and provide some pointers in this way. Good luck.

 

[ScottinAZ]

I was thinking not having to worry about shipping, but yeah, that would be a good bonus as well. Now on to find a strop, etc, etc, etc, etc.....

 

[buca3152]

If you get one that hones well your ok. If you get 2 your golden.

 

[Coaster88]

For 35 it seems like a calculated risk

 

[kcb5150]

I've seen those old razors from Pakistan before. They are really huge and usually have pretty cool looking scales. I have my doubts on the steel though. The bottom two could very well be nice scores if they have no serious pitting issues or something like that. Shaving with a straight razor is a lot of fun.

 

[KindestCutofAll]

The Craftsman will be an excellent razor. I bought a similar one for my son-in-law. The Diamond could be a good razor. Even a few of the Pakistan razors can turn out to be good razors if the steel was good.

Even if one or two are in bad shape you can use them to practice honing and stropping. The Craftsman alone would be worth about half of what you paid. I think you did just fine.

 

[ScottinAZ]

ok, bit of an update here. I did a bit of shopping for accessories for the straights, and this is what I acquired.

Cheapie strop
http://www.ebay.com/itm/370890900553?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Black surgical hone (Boss Barber)
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350904753183?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Swotstein Barbers Hone
http://www.ebay.com/itm/350902870331?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

I still intend to send out the razors for a pro honing (to start off good), but are these hones good for a touch-up/finishing? If I read everything correctly, the Swotstein should be around 8K+, and the Boss at about 12K or so, which should be finishers. The strop, I am not expecting anything much from, but it was cheap and If I turn it into ribbons will not be heartbroken.

What are the thoughts of the board?