Which to get restored?

[Manning]

I'm looking to get some of these restored (new scales and honed -- I've already polished to my satisfaction)? I havent used any traditional straights so I am looking to start with the ones that will be good intros or daily drivers, but I also dont want to dump money into something I wont be able to recoup if it doesn't work out. I know money isn't everything, but I dont hate money either, so I dont want to dig myself into too deep of a hole if I decide to bail.

1. W&B
2. Joseph Rodgers
3. Kropp
4. Crown and Sword
5. VOOGD Hollow ground (ERN?)
6. Costa and Sons
7. Johan Engstrom

 

[Wid]

Number 5 and 6 looks like they just need to be honed, I'd start with those to see if you like straight shaving before spend the bucks for restores.

 

[Manning]

Number 5 and 6 looks like they just need to be honed, I'd start with those to see if you like straight shaving before spend the bucks for restores.

Youre probably right. I shave with a Feather disposable most days and definitely prefer it to DEs. Ive wondered if a regular straight wil offer a smoother blade -- the feathers may be too sharp, like their DE blades were for me. Good sharp blades, but kind of "harsh." It came to me that the feather straight blades feel similarly harsh.

It's just the time aspect that I'm concerned about -- stropping before the shave. My mornings are fairly rushed and I have to shave everyday and be in front of people, too hurried and it can get bloody quick.

I do very much enjoy tinkering, so that aspect of traditional straights is admittedly appealing. I would like to eventually hone my own edges.

 

[Wid]

Once you get used to stopping it only takes a minute or two. If you like to tinker I would have to guess you would enjoy it.

I too use a Feather along with traditional straights. While I do like the feather I tend to use my regular straights more.

 

[tomjr]

#2 would be my first choice.

 

[prsman23]

I'd have the engstrom honed and then start on which ever one tickles your fancy. I wouldn't send them out. It's a great hobby restoring these yourself.

 

[hig789]

There's no need to restore the bottom 3 unless you just feel like throwing money at them. They look to be in great shape as is. I'd get all three of them honed and try them all out before you sink too much money in to restores.

 

[oscar11]

If you want to get rid of the Kropp and Crown and Sword...........................................

 

[SliceOfLife]

1 and 2 I'd say if you're looking to send them out. None of the others need any heavy work, so paying "restore" prices is a waste in my opinion.
The VOOGD looks like the razor I'd fix up first if it were me. Nice and big, with a good curve and condition. Round toe and little wear.

 

[Manning]

Thanks all. The VOOGD, Costa, Rodgers, and W&b are off. VOOGD and Costa just honed and the Rodgers and w&b will try to have their original scales repinned. If they can't be salvaged, then they will get new scales, but otherwise just a honing. The stragglers will get some oil and sit the bench for a bit.

I think this will give me a good variety of blades to try out and see what i like.