Is this Straight worth saving?

Hi All,

I got this Straight "Thrown in" when I got a DE at a local antique shop.

I know nothing about straight razors, but as my enthusiasm for DE shaving grows, I expect that I'll be itching to try a straight razor in due time.

That said, whether this thing will ever be usable or wll be just a decorative item is where I need your help:

The blade is sharp, but not shaveready, not by a long shot.

I don't see/feel any nicks in the blade, but I do notice, near the 'point' there seems to be a line in the blade that I can't tell if it's a surface scratch/stain or a crack in the blade itself.

based on these pictures, what can you guys tell me about this Razor:
Is it worth saving? (If I want to shave with it)
Any idea if that line is crack?
Any recomendations for cleaning it up?
How do I get it honed?

thanks in advance fellas, pics:

If the blade is not cracked, can't tell by the pics, it should make for a real nice shaver once honed up.

Definatlely worth saving. Do her up yourself, it's easier than you think

I think that the line on the scales is just a color difference. It doesn't look like a crack to me.

not sure if this helps or not, but I realzed that the pictue doesnt really show the area I'm concerned about very well

I'm not overly worried about the scales, but thi line on the blade.

I would hate to send this for honing and have the blade break while being worked on (or later while scraping my face)

this is the section of blade I'm worried bout

That looks more like a scratch to me, but it is hard to tell. Most cracks I've seen are usually perpendicular to the shaving edge. If what you are pointing to were really a crack, it seems that the tip would have fallen off.
I agree with the others; send this puppy off for a hone and enjoy the ride.

To me, it looks like a scratch. I've seen lots of razors with cracked blades and they look a lot worse than that.

Agree with all above. Definitely looks like a scratch. She should clean up nicely. MDunn is right, too. There is great satisfaction in doing it yourself, and it really isn't that hard. I am not the handiest fellow in the world, but I have restored and shaved with an old Genco I picked up on the bay, using only the "How To" threads posted here.

I agree with the other, the blade looks fine. Get it honed up and use it.

Thanks for the feedback guys, I am going to see if I can't get this baby all shiny and mirrored up.

Does anyone know anything about this particular brand/maker?

quick google search didn't turn much up (wasn't a 'recommended' or 'avoid at all costs' brand) and the only listing I found for it was Jackson Shear Co. but they make scissors, and I'd like to know if/when they produced straights.

will post pics of the resotore when I get to it.

It's most likely a good vintage razor. Any markings on it to say were it's made?

Jackson Fremont O. on the ?tang? (between the shoulder and the pivot) no other markings what-so-ever...

I assumed it was probably a vintage American razor, but was half afraid it was junk not worth mytime, and half worried that I would end up 'fixing it' only to have it turn out to be a 'collector's item' and my cavalier restoration had destroyed its intrinsic value.

I bet it would be a good one.

a fabric wheel and some greaseless compound will answer a few questions.

willyb said:

a fabric wheel and some greaseless compound will answer a few questions.

Click to expand...

...and an overabundance of caution, unless you want answers to some other questions (like "How good is my medical insurance?").

Ship it out for a basic cleaning and honing. Looks like a sweet blade. That was made here in Ohio too!

Phil

Hollow grind and shoulder less!? That's a keeper in my book.

I agree, it looks like a scratch and nothing more. Razors are ground edge to spine and the micro grooves remaining direct cracks in that direction.

I'd take that to my coticule and shave with it.