The online community of knife collectors, A Knife Family Forged in Steel
We always hear the phrase "Sharp enough to shave with". It is something a knife owner takes pride in. Knives were meant to cut so let's see how sharp we can get them and keep them that way. Knives come from the factory with a sharp edge but most are not shaving sharp. Shaving sharp is a learned skill. I personally use a Lansky sharpening system but am looking at a new Wicked Edge system I learned about here.
But is shaving sharp used anymore in everday life? I recently sought out a barber who does an old fashioned shave with a straight razor. I would have never thought of this before joing iKC. But being a member has spurred in me a sense of longing to learn everything about cutlery. Talk about blindly following someone! So I went to the source of the shaving subject, a barber. The results were amazing! After the barber spent time reassuring me that he had done this before, I relenquished my exposed and soaped neck. As soon as the edge touched my skin I knew this was the point of no return. What a phrase to think about when a stranger has a razor at your throat. At the first upward stroke I was in awe. So smooth. Such an effortless movement. The stubble was cleanly removed! As soon as I realized I was not in a slasher movie and my widow was not going to be contacted by police, I settled down to enjoy my first shave from a barber.
Why did I do this?? I have acquired several razors over the past couple of years. They are usaually in among knives or such items of interest. I realized I had "collected" a small gathering of straight razors. Interesting pieces. Rich with history. Full of mistique. We can all remember movies with the likes of Clint Eastwood having at least a weeks worth of brush sythed from his face by a barber who also needed a shave. So here I am with these straight razors from yesteryear. I have seen new razors advertised in today's catalogs but I am wondering, do they sell with the advent of the safety and disposable razors.
Does anyone else have razors floating in the knife collections? Does anyone have a collection of razors? I'll start off with one from Clauss Shear works of Fremont, Ohio made prior to 1919. Anyone else??
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That is one nice looking razor Ken and the KaBar is awesome as well! Leave it to a Leatherneck to shave with a straight razor! The single blade folder sure looks like it could tell some great stories. Thank you for sharing your pictures but more importantly, thank you for your service!!
I wonder what stories it could tell?
Ken Spielvogel said:
Ken Spielvogel said: Not a very good pic - I really like the knife, very sharp, I find myself carrying it as EDC often.
Chuck, thanks for your kind words. Ken
Chuck Parham said:
I wonder what stories it could tell?
Ken Spielvogel said:
Ken Spielvogel said: Not a very good pic - I really like the knife, very sharp, I find myself carrying it as EDC often.
Well I started my search for a razor, something with a good handle and a blade that I can resharpen. I know its kind of a throwback move but in the long run it will save money and maybe I can get good at it?
That sure looks like a good one Ken!
Ken Spielvogel said:
A nice looking razor. Lay in a supply of band aids and styptic sticks!
nice looking razors, don't have any myself but have thought about getting some
Well I have too and as I get better at sharpening, I am thinking of a good quality older razor, that has high carbon steel, takes a good edge and has a handle that won't fall off!
Pretty soon time for iKC Shaving Mug and Brush!
Those are some good looking Razors!
I used to use a Straight Razor at work but the Health Dept. put a stop to it many years ago because a microscopic drop of blood could be left on the blade and transfered to someone else, since you can't sterilize the Razor in an Autoclave (the handles would melt ) and just cleaning it wont kill everything!
But here are some I have most have the boxes, my favorite being the Large Wade & Butcher with Buffalo handles.
What a cool looking bunch of razors
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