The Straight Razor Acquisition Thread

In homage I will use my Dorko blade tomorrow.

 

My new Riga razor just arrived. 1/4 hollow 7/8. It’s made from Tungsten Steel. Does that mean stainless? Sorry for the ignorant question, but I’m still new at this.

 

That is gorgeous Jeff! And that scale finish looks like a mirror.

 

Thanks, Tom! Is Tungsten steel stainless? Sorry for the ignorant question, but I am new at this.

 

It's not stainless. B ut, Very hard, and holds a good edge.

 

Nice! My Riga razors take the sharpest edges and hold them a long time. The only other razors in my den with similar edge hold capabilities are my Mike Martinez and Filarmonica.

 

Here’s a better shot of the new Riga Razor. I really can’t wait to shave with it.

 

Maybe more than you’d ever want to know (and more than I can understand) but here’s the lowdown on the steel used in the Riga Razor. This is from some eBay messages I traded with Sergej:

Hello Karl ,

The second razor is honed already , it's sharp enought , but not overhoned , i believe .

I can't compare the Bohler R100 steel blade with some vintage razor , for me it's better than " Silver steel ". In my opinin , of course .
The bohler R100 steel is 100Cr6 steel , or 52100 in US classification .

If to compare with " Silver steel " - I made composite analysis of Friedr Herder ABR.SOHN straigt rasor - the " Silver steel " is 100Cr2 steel .
The difference in Chromium content only , in " Silver steel " is 0,5 % of Chromium , in Bohler R100 - 1,5% of Chromium .
I believe that the Bohler R100 steel is better , than classic " Silver steel " , because the addition of Chromium helps to reduce the carbide size. Smaller carbides means better toughness and resistance to fracture . For example - the 52100 ( same steel as 100Cr6 or Bohler R100 ) is known for its very small carbide size and high density of carbides, even when compared to other carbon and alloy steels .

Best Regards .
Sergej .

 

I picked up this little beauty off eBay as a target of opportunity, no one wanted it at $26 and the ivory scales are lovely and wide enough for an 11/16-6/8 if I wanted to do a swap sometime. It’s an Albert Stille Stockholm, and Albert Stille is a manufacturer of surgical instruments founded in 1841 and is stille (sorry, couldn’t resist) in business today. Hard steel, light wear, 5/8 width, was maybe an 11/16 at one time. Based on the stamps and lack of a ‘Sweden’ stamp, I’d guess made between 1876 and 1891. No doubt made by a major Eskilstuna maker, I’m working on the identity.

Sold as shave ready - yeah right. And it was, pretty much. I can and now have done better with it, but it did shave and not badly at all.

 

Thanks, Karl! That's great information. Keith (@Keithmax) said the only razors with comparably hard steel blades are his Mike Martinez and Filarmonica. I appreciate this information. I really can't wait to shave with it. Unfortunately, can't do so until the current 30DC focus is complete in five more days.

 

Beautiful pickup Steve. Cool scales and blade, with a name I don’t see often.

 

I recently purchased this Wade & Butcher online for $25 plus shipping, actually I got this, a Boker and a Norvell-Shapleigh. I've never heard of the last one, if anyone has any experience with that company please let me know. I'm most excited about the W&B I want to get it restored because I've heard nothing but good things about them. Any W&B aficionados out there??

 

Here is a Thread on Norvell-Shapleigh Cutlery Company..They were Well Known in their Day it Would Seem..
https://sharprazorpalace.com/show-tell/118109-shapleigh-hardware-diamond-edge-de-17-a.html

Billy..

 

Thanks Billy that's great!

 

Very nice Wade & Butcher... looks like it will make a smooth shaver. And for a great price!
Tom

 

I really like vintage safety razors which make up the bulk of my collection. I’ve been on the lookout for a cast steel straight razor in decent condition, came across this one from a seller Ben, my son has bought from before on the Bay. I slowed it to my son, who said it looked good. So I put in a lowball bid and won it. What are your thoughts?

 

cool razor Jeff.nice score..

 

I like the shoulderless design and the fancy scales. Hope it cleans up nice.

 

Me too! I was thinking of sending it to Glen! Just wondering whether it’s worth it. With my tremors I’m hesitant about trying to clean up the razor myself.