Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on March 12, 2015 at 15:42

First of all I don't even know what the second razor is. I've seen pictures on shaving sites and forums but looking at a picture is the entire description of my knowledge.

The first razor pictured, the Oxford is something I've messed with a little bit. By little bit I mean I've restored 4 or 5 used razors I've bought on ebay. The ones I've restored weren't nearly as pitted as your though. I wouldn't pay $5 for it with the intention of restoring it unless it has some value I'm unaware of. If you just want to get it capable of shaving it looks like there is significant chips in the edge so they will need to be removed. That means lots of steel removal. My first question now would be do you have the stones to do that quickly? I might start with a Shapton glass 500 or 320 grit stone. Starting with a 1000 grit or higher you would be looking at a lot of time I think. I don't think I would want to start with lower grit diamond stones. I say that because I don't know what you sharpen with. The toe of the edge is severely damaged it looks like to the point I might just cut it off to make the razor about 2.5" long. I got one that size off ebay, restored it and I really love it. It shaves great and I don't miss the extra .5" at all. In fact I don't see the need for a full 3". If you want to remove ALL the pitting that might require you remove enough steel on the sides of the spine to effect the edge angle when honing it. Hard to tell from a photo of course. But, if you just want to shave with it regardless of the condition the edge is all that would need to be put back in perfect condition.

What is the handle made of. The shading in color makes it look like bone. If so you might want to restore the handle. Or were you planing on making a new one or having one made? The razors I've restored I've made handles for also out of kirinite. As I said I have only restored 5 razors. My work is acceptable and while they look nice they don't jump out at you regarding beauty. Since I'm just getting started though I'm pretty proud of them. They do shave well which is the most important thing. I might give a couple away. I restored the blades, removing all rust and most pits but I haven't polished the blades to a mirror finish or anything. Anyway, what are your desires for the handle?

Here is a razor I restored. Handle is red Mother Of Pearl kirinite.

Here is a Dovo I bought. It had a plain plastic handle so I replaced it with white MOP kirinite.

The Dovo is my favorite razor because it "sings" making a "knife scraping on toast" sound. I use the sound to judge when a spot is smooth. When there is no sound there are no whiskers left.

Let us know what you decide. If you do restore the one razor show up pictures please. Good luck.

Jack

Permalink Reply by Lars Ray on March 12, 2015 at 17:16

Jack....you're terrific! You said all the right things to lead me to an informed decision of the Oxford. Based on your knowledge and experience, I do not see a significant value or reason to invest in its restoration. "Do you have the stones" you asked...while I know exactly what you mean, I can assure you I don't even have the stones to use it once restored!

I've used both of these merely as props next to the shaving tools I do use regularly. 

As for the second one, this design model by Durham utilizes the same technology they used on their shaving razors until Gillette pretty much stole the market from them. Creating this style, they found a new niche market in the 40's as hair thinners in hair salons and with veterinarians / dog groomers. There are plenty of these around...just not the blades anymore.

Thank you for your reply and your photos - very enlightening. 

Permalink Reply by Jack Haskins, Jr. on March 12, 2015 at 17:59

Glad I could be of help. The razor as is would be a perfect addition to the shaving den to give it an old time, rustic look. Just don't pick it up by mistake to use! :)

Jack

Permalink Reply by James Cole on March 14, 2015 at 20:14

Lars,

The second razor is a hair cutting razor.  I found blades that may work at -- http://www.carolwrightgifts.com/personal-care/hair-nail-care/hair-c...  It also looks as though you may be able to put in two double edge blades like the old Gillette razors used. 

Jim