My Wife's Grandpa's Straight Razor

**prophetic_joe** · 03-27-2010, 03:24 AM

I restored my wife's grandfather's straight razor and figured I would share with you guys. I had the blade done by a professional since i don't have the tools for that however i created the scales and the wedge. I designed it to match an Ever-Ready shaving brush I restored recently as well. The scales are walnut finished with CA. This is my first set of scales so be gentle.

Pictures are a little dark. They were taken at night in my bathroom.

The Set

**Cigarbear** · 03-27-2010, 09:14 AM

That's some nice work! How many coats of CA did you use? I've been into oil finishes and laquers but have heard great things about a CA finish's durability.

Todd

**denver24** · 03-27-2010, 09:16 AM

That's awesome! Nice work. There's not much as good as a great shave.

**prophetic_joe** · 03-27-2010, 11:42 AM

Used about 12-15 coats of CA actually. It was really kind of a pain in the ass cause I stuck to it a couple of times but it looks great now and feels very solid.

**Roger** · 03-27-2010, 12:24 PM

I think you did a very nice job. Must have taken some time with all the coats of "CA" . Roger.

**Cigarbear** · 03-27-2010, 02:00 PM

At least it dries quickly! I tried it on a pen that I turned and all kind of problems. Eventually I either got the wood too thin or too hot from over sanding and it split all the way to the barrel.

**cinda** · 03-27-2010, 03:00 PM

Nice job!

**mail man** · 03-27-2010, 03:52 PM

I think it looks great, you did nice work.

**Lopaka** · 03-27-2010, 07:19 PM

Bro, that is sweet!! The last time I was in at Andrews (in D.C.), a friend pointed me to "The Art of Shaving" and I've now started to use a brush. Next will be a straight razor.

Lopaka

**kevin7** · 03-27-2010, 09:21 PM

You nasty bastard hows about putting some clothes on next time you take a pic of something reflective LOL

Very nice work

**ndv21** · 03-28-2010, 09:27 PM

Originally Posted by Lopaka

Bro, that is sweet!! The last time I was in at Andrews (in D.C.), a friend pointed me to "The Art of Shaving" and I've now started to use a brush. Next will be a straight razor.

Lopaka

I agree completely. My wife gave me a starter set from this store as a valentines day gift. Its amazing what a "real" shave feels like! I still have not mastered a lot of the steps so i end up taking about 25-30 minutes shaving but I do enjoy the feeling of a great shave. I have been playing around with the idea of getting a straight razor but they are a little pricey. I know I will eventually take the plunge.

Nice work on the razor there!

**prophetic_joe** · 03-28-2010, 09:50 PM

Originally Posted by Lopaka

Bro, that is sweet!! The last time I was in at Andrews (in D.C.), a friend pointed me to "The Art of Shaving" and I've now started to use a brush. Next will be a straight razor.

Lopaka

Brushes you say? Here are a few of my vintage restores.

**Lopaka** · 03-28-2010, 11:57 PM

Bro,

Very nice!!!

Lopaka

**Roham** · 03-29-2010, 02:24 AM

Damn that's sick!!! Super awesome job. I've been straight edge shaving for a couple years now too! Nothing like it in the world. I got a buddy in Idaho who does a great job honing if anyone needs.....

How do you "restore" a brush? If I ever find one in a antique shop...

Roham

**mrtr33** · 03-29-2010, 09:31 AM

What's CA?

I wear a beard and like it. I'd have to shave twice a day.

**Cigarbear** · 03-29-2010, 10:02 AM

Originally Posted by mrtr33

What's CA?

I wear a beard and like it. I'd have to shave twice a day.

Cyanoacrylate aka Superglue

**Roger** · 03-29-2010, 11:06 AM

Gotta admit i really like the look of the brushes and fine work into them.... however on a further note I also have to admit that I just cannot fathom trying to shave with a straight razor. Man! The thoughts of blood, artery, spurt, murder and decapatation come to mind. Guess I have watched the barbershop / lumberjack episode on Monty Python's Flying Circus too many times... Ahem, I just cant comprehend the possibility of trying to do that without seriously causing bodily harm to myself... GULP!!! LOL.

**prophetic_joe** · 03-29-2010, 11:50 AM

Oh I haven't actually gotten the talent of straight shaving down yet. I mainly use an old double edge. As far as how you restore brushes, I reknot them, sand out all the scratches I can, polish them, repaint the letters if possible. It is pretty darn cool.

**CptnBlues63** · 03-29-2010, 12:03 PM

That's some VERY nice workmanship on the razor and the brushes.

**Paddy** · 03-30-2010, 10:43 AM

Originally Posted by prophetic_joe

Oh I haven't actually gotten the talent of straight shaving down yet. I mainly use an old double edge. As far as how you restore brushes, I reknot them, sand out all the scratches I can, polish them, repaint the letters if possible. It is pretty darn cool.

I'm with you, I can't get the hang of a straight razor. I'm still Old School. Star Brass saftey razor, Trufitt & Hill Badger Brush, Proraso Pre-shave cream & Omega Eucalyptus shave bowl. I've never used a disposable razor in my life.