Paternal Great Grandfathers Straight

Discussion in 'Razor Restoration' started by Heljestrand23, Feb 20, 2017.

  1. Heljestrand23

    Heljestrand23 Well-Known Member

    [​IMG][​IMG]
    Yesterday my Dad came to visit us and he brought something beautiful! My Great Grandfathers Straight Razor,
    "The Torrey Razor CO.
    Worcester Mass
    U. S. A."
    It's a little rusty, but I believe with a lot of elbow grease it should be serviceable again. I'll start by removing the pivot, the scales are in great shape, so I'll reuse them. It looks like I'll have to start with 220 sand paper to remove the rust and just work my way up. Hopefully there is no deep scaring, but if there is, it's a family heirloom, who cares? Any suggestions appreciated!
    Matt


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  2. Jim99

    Jim99 Gold Water Shaver

    That is an awesome heirloom and something to be treasured! Though I'm a straight razor user, I have yet to tackle a full restoration. I know there are many others who have and will likely offer some suggestions. Good luck and keep us posted on your progress.

    @DaltonGang , @Rusty blade , @mrchick , @HolyRollah , what do you recommend?
     
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  3. Jayaruh

    Jayaruh The Cackalacky House Pet

    Supporting Vendor
    That is great. I hope you get it in good working order. Congratulations.
     
  4. PickledNorthern

    PickledNorthern Fabulous, the unicorn

    That is very cool. It is always neat to get something that belonged to ancestors. The only thing cooler is when you get to pass it on to the next generation.
     
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  5. DaltonGang

    DaltonGang Ol' Itchy Whiskers

    I would dull the blade's edge first. Then start with 180 grit wet/dry. The oxidation on the edge looks pretty heavy, so, don't be surprised if you have to abandon the idea of shaving with it. I've had some that look similar, and some just need a new bevel set, and some needed 2-3 bevel lengths of the edge taken off, just to get to clean steel. If you don't have a 60x jewellers loupe, that might help, immensely, in seeing the edge corrosion, while you are honing.
    It looks like a fun project. If it were my family razor, and the corrosion was deep and extensive, at the edge, I would think about just making it look nice, and put it in a shadow box frame. I would add a photo of my great grandfather, and a little note card enclosed, with a short story about him. Kind of like a little memorial.
     
    Last edited: Feb 20, 2017
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  6. Jim99

    Jim99 Gold Water Shaver

    Those are very nice recommendations.
     
  7. Heljestrand23

    Heljestrand23 Well-Known Member

    I'm hoping it will be usable, I'll post some pictures of the restoration. If I can't make it usable, I think a shadow box would be an awesome idea!


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  8. HolyRollah

    HolyRollah BaconLord

    You've some work to do on that blade if you wish to shave with it. The black rust all along the edge is problematic.
    A shadow box is an ideal solution for an heirloom that is no longer serviceable. :happy088:
     
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  9. mrchick

    mrchick Odd, Terrible Avatar

    Very cool. I remember my great-grandfather's straight razor being around the house when I was a kid. Nobody knows where it is today. I would love to have it. It would be a treasure.
    I look forward to watching your progress on this one. Have fun.
     
  10. Rusty blade

    Rusty blade The Good Humor Man

    I do my restoration work by hand. First, clean the blade with rubbing alcohol. I would start with some WD40 and steel wool and remove the rough stuff. Them you can start with 800, 1000, 1500, 2000 grit wet dry sandpaper. I would use a drop of mineral oil for the "wet". Go slow and don't be too aggressive. Then start polishing with Mothers Mag and Aluminium Polish. Clean the scales with soap and water first, then polish with Flitz. As for the usefulness of the blade...you will just have to see what it looks like after you sand and polish. Get some magnification and see if there if the rust has bit into the edge. Sometimes you can hone the edge just fine. I have had a couple of SRs that were in worse shape than yours and they cleaned up real nice and turned out to be great shavers. Good luck and have fun!
     
  11. 178-bplatoon

    178-bplatoon Well-Known Member

    What a fantastic acquisition!! Good luck on the restore and be sure to let us see how it comes out. :happy088:
     
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  12. Herm2502

    Herm2502 off to elf practice

    Really nice. Heirlooms are always a terrific add to whatever collection you have.

    HERM
     
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  13. PLAla

    PLAla Bit Shy of a Full Puck

    Great heirloom! That's a treasure. Good luck with the restoration efforts. It would be really special to be able to shave with that.
     
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  14. Keithmax

    Keithmax Breeds Pet Rocks

    Good luck with the restoration, what a treasure.
     
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