I just received a straight razor for my own personal use from a source first called to my attention by B&B member, Ignatz. This razor is new-from-old-stock, and from the information I have, it is from the 1920s or 1930s. It's obviously never been used, and therefore needs a hone.
My first question is this: Is this more likely to be carbon or stainless steel? How do I tell the difference? Is there a way to tell the difference?
Second: How much can I expect to pay for having it honed?
Third: The blade is in beautiful condition, and even after all these years still shaves the hair off my arm. However, the scales are celluloid, and in the future, should I like the razor, I might like to have the scales replaced with simple wood scales. How much might this set me back? (I realize there might be a wide variance on this depending on the work.)
As always, thanks for your help!
My first question is this: Is this more likely to be carbon or stainless steel? How do I tell the difference? Is there a way to tell the difference?
Second: How much can I expect to pay for having it honed?
Third: The blade is in beautiful condition, and even after all these years still shaves the hair off my arm. However, the scales are celluloid, and in the future, should I like the razor, I might like to have the scales replaced with simple wood scales. How much might this set me back? (I realize there might be a wide variance on this depending on the work.)
As always, thanks for your help!