Hello everyone, I am new to this site and to straight shaving. I just bought this straight razor two weeks ago at a local antigue store, and would like to have it put into shave-ready condition so that I can learn to shave with a straight razor. There is no damage at all to the blade, just a little bit of hone wear at the point. There was no rust anywhere on the razor, just a bit of light gray patina, which I easily polished off with light buffing from 2000 grit sandpaper and a bit of Weiman metal polish. The scales are in near mint condition and are celluloid with a beautiful faux woodgrain pattern. They are not warped or even scratched in any way. The blade is snug with no wobbling, and it pivots smoothly and centers perfectly between the scales when closed. Other than the light cleaning and polishing I gave it, I don't want to go any further with it because it would entail disassembling the razor and possibly damaging it, and with it in the good condition it is in, I see no reason to take it apart. I also like the small amount of aging that is still left, as I feel that it gives this nearly 100 year old veteran "character." In your opinion, did I choose a good candidate for restoration?
First, welcome to the Den. Be sure to sign up for the March Newbie Give-Away. Sweet looking find, but, alas, I don't know anything about it. I'm sure there are folks around here (HEY! @gssixgun !!) who will be able to help you out. As for restoration, Glen, aka gssixgun, has done work for me and many other folks here at TSD. A great guy to work with who does a fantastic job with straights. He runs www.gemstarcustoms.com
I read on another site that it could possibly date to about 1910 or so. Whatever year it was actually made, I will love it and cherish it because it's a piece of history. If I can do right by its restoration and keep it in use, that'll make me happy!
Thank you kindly for the warm welcomes you all gave, too! I joined another forum I will refrain from mentioning by name, and hardly anyone talked to me at all there even after quite a few posts, and it made me feel good that you all welcomed me. Thank you again!
I am not one that's into using a "Straight Razor" to shave, but looking at that Razor sort of gives me second thoughts. As for your question I do not know the first thing about a "Straight Razor" ask me about Operating a Tractor Trailer Rig I can help you. Welcome to the Shave Den. You might look here for information: http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/my-first-straight-razor-restore.36400/#post-643727
Welcome to The Den! That razor is a beauty! Of course, I say that a lot, but really I do mean it! There are a number of good places to look at for help with restoring your blade. I'm partial to Larry at Whipped Dog Straight Razors, mostly because I can afford his services and he does a nice job. If there aren't any major issues with your blade, he may be worth your while. If there's anything bigger deal to have done, there are a few places that do full restorations for varying prices. Lynn Abrams, who runs Straight Razor Place, is well respected for his restorations, and his pricing is reasonable. Good luck getting it fixed up! Once you're ready to start using it, be sure to ask lots of questions here to get tips on how to get the best results. I also recommend getting a copy of "Shaving Made Easy" which as a book on CD-ROM will probably cost about $4. It's a book from about 100 years ago that gives very clear instructions on how to learn to straight shave. Glad to have you here. Stick around, we'll learn ya good!
Yes you did and Glen is your man to get that razor in tip top shape! Oh and one more thing ... Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
Hi guys, thanks so much for your compliments on my razor. I was hoping that when I found it, it would make a good shaver. Other than the cleaning and polishing I gave it, I am not going to restore it any further. I just want to send it out and have it honed. I kind of like the aging that is still left on it.
You're right. I do not see anything in that razor that needs to be "restored". The scales are in perfect shape. There is some hone wear, but you can definitely hone it and start shaving.
I gotta agree with the guys, from the pics it looks like a honing and you are ready to roll... Witte was really known for their Gold Bug razor, this is the first Copper Head I have seen, and if it shaves anything like the Gold Bug you should be a very happy man From the info I have the company was around from 1880-1930 and from the looks of the razor styling, I would guess that is one of the later ones so probably 1910-1930 Enjoy
Thank you sir! I am very proud of my Copperhead. I have only run across a couple of examples on Worthpoint as I was searching the web for an approximate time frame for it. I'm not saying that they're not out there, but I haven't seen many.
