Capitol Straight Razor

**Dave41079** · 05-12-2012, 10:04 AM

I recently inherited this straight razor. It was used regularly by my great grandfather. I don't really know anything about it, and was wondering if anyone here could tell me anything about it. On one side it just says CAPITOL, on the other side it says:

JOHN WEIS
NASHVILLE TENN
MADE IN GERMANY

I'm pretty certain John Weis is a beauty supply shop in Nashville, probably where the razor was purchased from. I really have no desire to use this blade, but it obviously is a keepsake. It's in very rough condition, the blade has a pretty dark patina, and some crud on it, and a little bit of surface rust in a few places. The edge of the blade has one pretty good nick in it, and is fairly wavy when viewed in profile. There are obvious and deep hone marks along the sides of the spine. The scales are pretty warped too, and I am guessing they are celluloid. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

**Doc226** · 05-12-2012, 06:47 PM

Given its history it is priceless. I would love to have my grandfather straight, sadly it was left behind in Cuba.

I don't know much about the razor, but I can tell it has been used-alot. Almost anything is "restorable" but this one is going to take some work. Personally I would leave as is and treasure it merely for the fact it belonged to your grandfather.

**hig789** · 05-12-2012, 09:11 PM

I agree I would just leave it as is and keep it as a keepsake and use this as an excuse to buy you another one.

**tomjr** · 05-12-2012, 09:57 PM

doc i just made what i could out of my gramp's razor. it will stay in my collection until it is ready to be inherited.

**Doc226** · 05-13-2012, 02:58 AM

Originally Posted by tomjr

doc i just made what i could out of my gramp's razor. it will stay in my collection until it is ready to be inherited.

Tom, just saw that one, great job.

**Slash McCoy** · 05-13-2012, 06:46 AM

Wow... that razor was much loved and used in its day! To truly restore and "fix" it would leave it looking nothing like the original, particularly after straightening the edge, which would mean removing a lot of steel. I would just oil it and keep it as is. If it was an ebay special I might rise to the challenge of restoring, but it would be a LOT of work, and most folks would say it is not worth it for what you will get out of it. Yours is an heirloom and deserves an honored retirement.

**global_dev** · 05-13-2012, 07:48 AM

i would at least treat the rust, so it doesn't get worse, and then put in a appropriately decorated window box framed picture on the wall with some other related sentimental stuff.

**JLuger** · 05-13-2012, 07:56 AM

Suffice to say he got his money's worth out of it. I agree, clean it only to protect it, and display it proudly.

**Dave41079** · 05-13-2012, 09:09 AM

My intention is to clean it and put it away with an Iver Johnson .38S&W revolver that was his also. I want to build a display box for them to sit on my mantle. It was definitely well used, no doubt. There were 3 straight razors that went to myself and two of my cousins when my uncle passed, and this was the best looking one of the bunch.