A Holy Grail Found: Antique Ivory Straight-Razor!

Ever since I got into straight-razor shaving, back in 2010, it's been my DREAM to own an antique straight razor with ivory scales.

Today, that dream was realised:


Yes, it has a small crack in the pin, but beggars can't be choosers. And it was in otherwise excellent condition, and very, very, VERY sharp - as my right index finger will doubtless testify to, once I remove the band-aid.

Apparently, to prove yourself worthy of the ownership of grail items, you must be willing to pay in blood.

They're not called cut-throats for nothing!!



The razor was a bit rusty when I got it. I scraped off the rust with 0000-grade steel wool and superfine sandpaper. I also scoured out the majority of the gunk inside the scales with superfine sandpaper, and a steel dental-pick.

I have no idea how old it is, but the fact that it is made of ivory and has obvious age-signs tells me it must be bloody old, at least. So I'm in the clear.

A closeup of the scales, showing the grain:

 

Whats the size ? Totally cool,I wonder if it was a giveaway ?

 

From the tip of the scales to the end of the tang - 6.25in.

The blade width is 6/8.

 

Shangas, now that is funny when speaking of a straight razor!!!

 

At least this time I mean it literally! My finger still hurts!

 

Call me a "mother hen" (aka "Old Cluck") but I hope to goodness that you had already cleaned the straight razor with a disinfectant before you cut yourself.

 

I didn't. I was in the process of doing it when I cut myself. I put disinfectant on my hand, though and the bleeding seems to have stopped.

 

Good thing you weren't cleaning it with your neck !!

 

I cut my throat for the first, last and only time when I accidentally ran over a pimple. I swear to God it was the worst pain in my whole bloody life. NEVER AGAIN!!

But yes, I'm very happy with it. I would've been happier if it was a cased pair, but beggars can't be choosers.

 

Hi Shangas,
If you are going to use the straight razors for shaving you will have many experiences with pain on shaving. My worst was a straight razor I bought new in Paris in 1977. I damn near cut my left Carotid artery the first time I used it. It was a wonderful/beautiful thing but I never used it again.
greg

 

I've been straight shaving for five years. I'm in no danger of slashing my neck open. I find it quite theraputic, actually. It's very relaxing...using a straight razor.

Probably because you have to be relaxed to use one. Don't ever shave while stressed or distracted. Accidents result.

 

You must have started shaving quite early, Shangas.

 

Actually, no. I was already in my early twenties (about 22, 23) when I started.

 

Okay... sorry if that was too personal.

 

No.

 

Re your comment that you have no idea how old it is, I found an 1890 ad from the Colac Herald, courtesy of Trove digitized newspapers, for M. Kleiner, Hairdresser and Tobacconist in Colac (Australia, I believe). The ad offered: BEST HOLLOW GROUND RAZORS -- A well-tested Razor will be forwarded to any address on receipt of postal note for Five Shillings..."

 

I thought this one http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Gen...-4-New-York-/400987582592?hash=item5d5cb8f080 sold stupid cheap a couple weeks ago

 

Hummm, still lots of ivory on ebay !

That's eBay Terry....you never know who's looking , when !

 

Here's the ad. From December, 1890...



Also in the same issue, someone lost a silver-mounted walking-stick.

...nobody's seen one lately, have they?