@cotedupy that’s a perfect blade for me, but I am afraid they are not easy to find in Europe either.
Get a small 2 lb peening hammer. You can give a few light taps on each side and it will tighten them back up so the razors close nicely. Easy to do and a nice tool to have.Prior to the early 2000’s I had two straight razors, but I had no idea how to maintain them and in truth I can not remember ever having a full shave with them. With the advent of the Internet it became possible to find quite a bit of good information concerning the use and the care of straight razors.
In October of 2005 I purchased two razors from John Crowley who I had found on the Internet. It appears he no longer has a presence on line, but he was a good gentleman to work with. He sold me two German razors:
1. 8/8" Wacker "Worked Back"
These hefty 8/8 blades have extensive workings on the back of the spine similar to the Dovo brand "Bergischer Lowe" only much deeper and more extensive. This was all done by hand - not machine ground. They were forged and ground by Herr Wacker, the last of the independent Master Razor Makers in Solingen, Germany.
2. 7/8" Original Bartmann #22
This beautiful 7/8 Original Bartmann #22 blade --- The Bartmann brand was famed for the quality of their razors and these are their peers.
I used these two razors daily until 2018 when I purchase a Jerry Stark razor to replace them. The blades of both of the original razors were still in very good shape. I had a big problem with the pivot pins in both of the razors. The pins became so loose the scales just flopped around and I could no longer tap them to tighten the blade in the scales. I keep thinking about trying to replace the scales myself or finding someone to do the job for me.
I used them in rotation for 13+ years and still pull them out occasionally.
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How do some of you guys keep your 1st razors so pristine still?!?! I dont want to post a current picture of my ralf aust, the sins that I bestowed upon that blade trying to learn and experiment on.My first was a vintage bought from a reputable ebay, no idea of its heritage but it is a lovely little blade. All downhill from there of course!
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My first Straight Razor, not including shavettes, was a Gold Dollar 208. This was not just any Gold Dollar though, it was Razoremporiums "modded" so called "shave ready" Gold Dollar. At $50 + shipping to the UK it is also an expensive Gold Dollar. However it is my first SR and you never forget your first, this razor holds a special place in my heart.
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I was therefore heartbroken when It fell into the bath, during a post shave photo session, causing it to be badly damaged. However this will not be the end of this razors story. It shall live on and shave again, as a shorty. I just need to purchace a dremmel first.
Ah to be fair I never touched that one to a stone myself, once I got the hang of using it (just to make sure I'd stick with it) I bought a cheap dovo and a gold dollar to play with. Now those things are like something from a horror show!How do some of you guys keep your 1st razors so pristine still?!?! I dont want to post a current picture of my ralf aust, the sins that I bestowed upon that blade trying to learn and experiment on.
I am actually really curious to see how your RA looks now, after all this time. Would you mind posting an image of it?How do some of you guys keep your 1st razors so pristine still?!?! I dont want to post a current picture of my ralf aust, the sins that I bestowed upon that blade trying to learn and experiment on.
I am actually really curious to see how your RA looks now, after all this time. Would you mind posting an image of it?
If you want - I can do it for you, and put on any kind of point / tip style.
Gratis - just the cost of sending to me in Old London Town. (I’ll cover return post, cos it’s not worth fussing with).
Gorgeous razor, nothing like starting at the top!Here is my first straight razor. I have two shaves with it and am enjoying learning a new skill.
~9/8 Max Sprecher Near Wedge Dark Angel Wing Scales
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Yup that was my first from an ex gf 20 years ago. Col. Ichabod Conk. Dovo. Still have it. Definitely over honed it learning but she's still in service to this day in my rotation. (The razor. Not the ex gf...lol.)Dovo, Col. Conk 6/8.