Nice pair of razors, I bet they would hone up a treat.
Thank you, yes I think they are something special.
I had some time on Friday and removed the scales from one of them, I was worried about some serious rust around the pin. Cleaned it up as far as I am prepared to go. I don't want to polish out the etchings because I think it's important to keep it's history visible.
It still has some pitting, but I am happy with it. These are not new razors and I don't mind that they show some of their age, they are about 150 years old after all.
I will give the other one the same treatment when I have some time again.
I honed it yesterday, effortlessly.
I think it's a testament to the makers skill that setting the bevel took about 100 light pressure circles each side and about 20 rolling X-strokes on a 3k stone. Blade geometry is perfect.
Did my normal progression to 8K, 12K, 1u lapping film, then on to the pasted balsa .5u, .25u and .1u. Stropped 100 laps on clean leather hanging strop.
Shaved with it yesterday to test the edge and I can say it truly shaves like a dream. Very sharp, but smooth and comfortable. These razors are a pleasure to hone, strop and shave with.
Couldn't resist and shaved with it again today. Love it!