http://pages.ebay.com/link/?nav=item.view&alt=web&id=151267884154 This is the auction. Do you think this will come ready to shave or will I have to send it off for honing. Also what else will I need with the razor. I have brushes and soaps. Thanks in advanced for any help
I'm not one of our straight razor guru's, but I don't think this razor is anywhere close to being in "good condition"! The edge looks terrible, it's WAY over priced IMO, definitely not shave ready,the pins look bad. As I said I'm no expert, but I feel with a little more hunting you could find a razor in "MUCH" better shape for "LESS" money... Also generally speaking unless your getting a razor from a known sharpening guru such as our own "gssixgun", you should always assume your going to need to get the razor sharpened to shave ready status.
Celluloid rot has started with that blade. If you get that you should replace the scales right away. At least that's the way it looks to me.
The razor could have the start of a frown as well, if not a warp. It is such a narrow blade at 4/8 that if you needed to hone the frown out you'd have nothing left to shave with. Lot better deals out there.
This razor reminds me of the song "What do you do with a drunken sailor?" There's a refrain, "shave his belly with a rusty razor", and this would be just the one for it.
I am going to link you a thread that I did a few years back on SRP specifically for beginners that insist on shopping Vintage razors on e-bay etc: ...I do not recommend it until you don't have to ask the question you just did http://straightrazorplace.com/beginners/65405-beginners-tips-feb-2011-a.html#post736914 That thread will illustrate much for you and any beginner shopping for used razors.. Please ask if you have any other questions
