Hey I bought a nice straight razor. On the blade it says Erin’s Pride, below the blade on the tang it says Warranted German Hollow Ground. On the box it has 2 c’s within an iron cross, below it says Joseph Elliot’s Hamburg Ring. Looking for a possible date and what it’s worth, there is nothing else written on the blade, scales or box. Thanks for any help guys
Hey, hey! Welcome to the Den! I'm short on info for that straight, but maybe one of the mods could move this to the straight razor forum where I'm sure someone with more knowledge than I can help you.
Welcome to the forum Boxes are often mixed up with different razors so it cannot be relied on to identify the razor. Is there anything on the reverse side of the tang?
The razor appears to have a considerable amount of hone wear, and a slight frown. Fix the edge and shave with it. I don't see any value in the razor other than a daily driver.
What’s a frown?, and any tips on sharpening it, it’s not sharp enough to shave with as it is. I have a whetstone that I use for my knives can I use that or do I need something specific?
There is considerable spine wear. A couple of layers of tape should correct the bevel angle. Usually, hones for knifes are not high enough grit for razors. There could be a very very slight frown, but not enough to worry about. A frown is were there is more wear in the middle of the blade, causing a frown. A Smiling blade has more wear to the heal and toe areas. Better to have a Smiling razor, than a Frowning one. The smiling razors are easier to shave with, comfortably.
And shaving sharp on a knife is no where near shaving sharp enough for a straight razor. Best to watch some tutorials and ask lots of questions.
