I received the blade below from fellow TSDer, @barbersurgeon (Dean) who requested my opinion on the quality and more information about the make. The blade itself was in very good shape— 5/8" carbon steel, hollow ground, hollow point, double-shouldered, lower jimps and felt of solid, good quality. The "maker's" stamp, however, remains a mystery to me. As you seen below, a diamond 'R' stamp on both sides; with the letters CPWB on one side and 'Special' on the reverse side. Probably US made, but I've not found any additional information. Dean sent me the broken black scales for reference as he liked the shape and stated, "Faux tortoise shell with a medium or dark orange wedge would look pretty cool." The New Scales: Faux Tortoise shell (.118"), amber wedge; nickel-silver pins with brass washers; brass inner bearing washers. Honed on Chosera 1k, Naniwa 5k, Nagura Progression on a Shoubudani asagi. Very smooth, keen edge!
WoooHooo! Looks great Kevin, I am going to need to pony up for a strop and then I'll be ready to try this straight razor thing out. Here's the true before Pic: (Razor pictured bottom) From my original thread: http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/help-with-sr-identification-please.51106/ Thanks Again, looks GREAT!!
This is what happens when I finally get a break in my other schedules (my day job, the family wedding, etc) to allow time for my restoration backlog.
Received my razor yesterday! Looks very nice and it is certainly sharp! Thanks Kevin, wonderful job. I shaved my cheeks with it today. This was the first SR shave for me. I was a bit awkward getting angles right. I'm sure it will get better with time. I have a mole on my right cheek, so was very careful around that. Left cheek was much easier. Anyway, finished off with the Aristocrat/GSB for a DFS.
Dean, It will take some practice before you start getting confortable with the 'proper' angles and hand positioning. Not uncommon for newcomers to finish the job with a DE razor until one becomes more accomplished with the big blade. All it takes is daily practice! At least your initial shave was with a 'shave-ready' razor. I wasn't so fortunate in my first SR outing.
