@gssixgun Been debating picking up a Pearson and Hawcroft I saw locally. It's only like a 4/8 but I believe they are close to 200 years old. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
So far I have found a lot of nice steel, some need some work but I have pretty much decided if I see something over 6/8 !and its affordable im going to take a long look at it. I've Only had 2 of them honed so far but I seem to find straights far more than anything else. Frederick Reynolds 6/8 Joseph Reynolds Cutler to their majesty Bengall Razor Joseph Elliot 9/8 Joseph Elliot 6/8 A well worn wedge that I can see IXL but can't make anything else out. Imperial Razor Co Eagle Razor 6/8 JR Torrey 5/8 Morley and Son Clover Brand 5/8+ Jonathan Crookes and Sons 6/8 Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
I am hoping that I have reached my plateau with my current 11 straights. https://jrshaving.blogspot.com/p/all-my-straights.html
I am pretty sure the Hawcroft has been reground at some point in it's life That Black devil spit probably goes pretty deep too, not feeling that one my friend as always JMHO from what I can see from pics on a computer which is the WORST way to judge a razor
I was thinking the same. I was under the impression that the Blade stabilizers didn't come around until the 1890-1910's. Also, that one looks to be reground hollow. Weren't blades from that era Wedges?? I would pass on it too, unless you needed a razor to practice on, and use as a working razor. The scales are needing some work too.
A lot of my collection is Japanese and French razors. Here's an older image of a favorite Japanese Hayashi Diamond 8000, NOS when it arrived, sitting on the piece of karasu that finished the edge. People always seem to like this image, but it really doesn't do justice to the scales. I also collect pairs, cheaper than 7-day sets and easier to come by. Cheers, Steve
Yes they do Keith, my kitchen knives are Takedas and I have one damascus Shigefusa. Unfortunately they didn't do very well with straight razor scales with a few exceptions. All that finely crafted Swedish, Hitachi, and tamehagane steel Were usually fitted with dime-store scales on most of them! But that can be fixed without too much trouble. Cheers, Steve
Those Hayashi Diamonds are some beauties. There are a couple of those floating around here, and I always admire them.
If I can just learn to hone that saves me some more coin for other straights ;-) Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
There is an unfortunate truth, the majority of us that learn to hone go through a period of hone acquisition disorder. In the early stages it gives you less money for razors. You have to compensate for that when graphing the curve of when you start to save money by learning to hone. I know one person that has one set of hones and has never strayed.
While I may pick up more eventually unless I stumble on a steal i don't plan on getting more than I have.. ( which is already too much!) Lol Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
That's my case. Nortons 1-4-8K and 1um lapping film. i also have a couple of barber hones for touch-ups. Having an engineering background, I strive for consistent results. Only after you can repeat the results can you start improving efficiency. If you cannot get consistency, you will be throwing in more variables, which just complicates the ability to trouble shoot the failures. I can get very repeatable results from my set up. I also get very acceptable (to me) edges. Sure I think about other stones, but I always come back to the old saying; "if it ain't broke, don't fix it."
I'm working on finding someone local as I have been able to get one honed and shaved with it but it started to tug. Also since that razor I was able to hone I tried two others and failed. Hoping once I get with someone local I can figure out where Im going wrong. Sent from my SM-G930P using Tapatalk
Trust me @Stu929 , save your pennies, and buy a very good quality 1k bevel setter. That's where 90% of the work is. I went the inexpensive King 1k route, and its always slow going with that.
