Expert eyes needed on vintage SR...

Hello all,

I came across this vintage blade today at a local thrift shop. Being a newbie, I'm not really sure what I'm dealing with here, so I was hoping that some of you with a keen eye for old SRs could give me some insight. What I would like to know is could this SR have the potential to be professionally honed and enjoyed as a usable shaver, or would it be more of a conversation piece? I have my tetanus shot :). Obviously it has some ugly rust at the tail and hinge point, but it still opens and closes smoothly. The edge is still keen, although I highly doubt near shave ready, and did not appear warped at all. Not sure what the scales are made of, but my impression was plastic. The shop is asking $75 for it, but I had been told that its been there for several months and I could talk them down a bit. Any guesses on what one should be willing to pay for this in its condition? Let me know if more photos would be helpful and I'll return to the shop and take more- just let me know if there is anything specific you'd like to see. Thanks in advance!

Mike
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From the pics

It looks to be a good solid razor that with just a little TLC and honing will be great shaver..

I don't do prices I only do condition :) plus I personally can't even make out the Maker from the pics


(Valuations are actually against the rules on SRP)

Is there a big crack in the middle of the blade? if not then that razor should be a good one to restore by propper cleaning from the active rust and set a new shaving edge to it.

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I really don't believe anyone here will give an appraisal on what a razor is worth . A razor is worth what ever a person will pay. Now that that is said I can say from what I see the razor does look good and I do like Sheffield's. Really doesn't look like it would take too much to clean up and from what I see there's not much wear. the final price though is up to you. Enjoy the dilemma . that's something we all share.

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Originally Posted by MrMagnus

Is there a big crack in the middle of the blade? if not then that razor should be a good one to restore by propper cleaning from the active rust and set a new shaving edge to it.

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Good eye. I missed it. if it is a crack I would pass it by.

Looks to be a totally usable blade to me, a little polish (not a restoration), have it honed and you're off.

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

From the pics

It looks to be a good solid razor that with just a little TLC and honing will be great shaver..

I don't do prices I only do condition :) plus I personally can't even make out the Maker from the pics


(Valuations are actually against the rules on SRP)

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I can appreciate reasons for not giving an actual appraisal, certainly understood. So far what I'm getting from the replies so far is that it's not junk, so that gives me a little bit of confidence in it.

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Originally Posted by MrMagnus

Is there a big crack in the middle of the blade? if not then that razor should be a good one to restore by propper cleaning from the active rust and set a new shaving edge to it.

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After zooming in on the pic from my phone I do not believe it is a crack, but just some marring on the blade. I will, however, take a closer look at it before I decide on the purchase. Maybe I'll use the antique magnifying glass that's next to it ;-). Thank you for pointing that out.

The inscription on the box is LORIMER & SON SOUTH ST. ANDREW ST. ENDINBURGH

Looks like a Sheffield made for an Edinburgh retailer. Look at the other side of the suspected crack. If not there, it may be a scratch. (hopefully!)

What I do when assessing a "new" razor is to first check the overall condition, look for an inordinate amount of rust, warped, cracked, rotted or worm eaten scales. If all is good at the point then I check the condition of the blade it's self. I run my thumb across the edge not down it. I listen to it. A full hollow ground or even a 1/4 hollow will have a ring to it that is pleasant if there is no crack present. If it has a crack that is not seen, it will sound dull and raspish. A recognizable name or city will give you some clues to how good the razor should be if it passes all of the other criteria. In most cases you can't go wrong with Sheffield or Solingen steel. As far as the razor, it looks to be in good condition except for that potential crack. Learn the "Art of the Deal", don't be in such a rush to acquire a new razor that you jump at any opportunity that comes your way, you will spend a lot of time and money and usually end up with nothing. Spend a lot of time here Full A to Z list of Razor Manufacturers & their Dates of Operations as well as in the Library here. There are other sites as well. A little knowledge can be dangerous that is why you need to research the best you can. I had to break out my digital camera and the macro lens to try to see the name on the tang, important information alert, but couldn't see it well enough, same with the box but that is meaningless. It appears that crack terminates in a chip on the edge which is not a good sign.

It's a nice razor.

The price is all wrong tho.

For the price you could get a brand new razor, you certainly shouldn't be looking at a razor that is in need of restoration. And this one is in need of some minor restoration. The razor is corroded at the pivot, The gold wash is gone, There is some patina, and the box is shabby.

There is a rather nice looking blade on the trade section that is not only cheaper, it's in better condition and comes ready to shave.

It would be a safer first purchase.

Wagner & Lange, Solingen 6/8" - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Another way to check for a crack is to run the edge across your thumb nail with slight pressure and watch for separation unless that is what guitstik was all ready saying

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Originally Posted by Trimmy72

Another way to check for a crack is to run the edge across your thumb nail with slight pressure and watch for separation unless that is what guitstik was all ready saying

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I "strum" the edge with the pad of my thumb not the nail. A light touch and I can hear a problem, not so on wedges tho. I recently purchased an Otto Deutsch off of eBay and when it arrived I strummed it and found a crack that was not apparent to the naked eye. It was immediate so I didn't have to go find my loupe, but I did anyways just to verify. The seller refunded the entire price.

"Lindsey & Son Oxford" is what is stamped on the tang, not sure if that can be made out in the pics I attached or not. Does that stamping have any significance that anyone here knows of?

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Originally Posted by MrMagnus

Is there a big crack in the middle of the blade? if not then that razor should be a good one to restore by propper cleaning from the active rust and set a new shaving edge to it.

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agree , looks like a crack to me too.

I think the OP may be should request better pics from the seller.

Thank you all for the input! The member who's selling the razor here looks like he has the better buy, especially with so many concerns about a possible crack in the blade. I'll still take another look to be sure, but unless I can get a better deal on it I'll probably pass. There's not much of a SR market in my area, so who knows, it might still be there in a year if I change my mind. Thanks again. I now have a little more insight for the next old blade I come across.

buying razors is a minefield of problems you have to watch out for.

If you can hold and appraise the blade then your halfway there. Buying online from ebay and the like is another story, you have to be looking and criticizing the smallest of details. Razors are prone to damage that renders them useless and it's not always obvious damage!

The seller on here is offering 100% money back for that razor, He's also selling on here. And reputation is everything on this forum.


You will need some other equipment before you can shave.

A strop, a brush, and soap.

For your strop go have a look at whipped dog's poor mans strop kits. It's a well regarded product that will work.

Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment

You can get a cheap boar bristle brush. They have a break in period of a few shaves. They work, with no frills.

http://www.amazon.com/Semogue-1305-S...+shaving+brush

And you should get some good shaving soap. There are a lot of well regarded brands. If you do not have a store that stocks real shaving soaps then go online and grab a tub of one of the more regarded brands. Bodyshop maca root is a good starting soap. It lathers well, and is not overpowering in perfume. It's also good on all skin types and has a very nice glide to it.

For Men Maca Root Shave Cream | The Body Shop ®

I appreciate the advice. This would actually be a second razor for me, but thank you for taking the time to offer that info. I agree with your point on SRP probably being a safer venue to buy a used blade due to any member wanting to maintain a good standing here. I'll probably hold of on searching for my own razors until I'm ready to take on those projects myself, such as a time when I decide I can take on learning to hone on my own. Hell, I'm still trying to strop and not kill me edge so I'm going to be leaving that to the pros for a while.

Looks like a decent razor.

You will never know who the maker was, as 'C&C' on the blade is the mark of Colquhoun & Cadman, merchants, factors and re-salers.

"C & C" and "Go-Ahead" were trademarks of Colquhoun & Cadman, based at the Douglas Works in Arundel Street, Sheffield, as listed in a 1901 Trades Directory. The firm dates back to 1892. The two founders were Edward Dewing Colquhoun and Edwin Cadman. Colquhoun was a former salesman of Marsden Bros & Co (they appear in the 1857 sheffield Directory), famed as tool and skate makers - Colquhoun & Cadman also had a display of skates at their premises. The firm was Incorporated in 1907. They eventually became a subsidiary of Joseph Elliot & Sons. By 1929 they had moved to Sylvester Gardens in Sheffield.

They produced cutlery, edged tools, and so on - even a natural hone-stone called the "Douglas". Called by some a 'brass-plate' firm, it is believed that they sourced articles made by others to sell under their own brand.

The thing is, they only chose the best, so it was a pretty decent razor even at the time.

The circular 'special steel' mark on the blade signifies that it is made from Robert Mushet's original RMS steel - a steel alloy to which a small amount of tungsten had been added. This had the virtue that no hardening or quenching step was needed - it self-hardened in air, a fantastic advance at the time. RMS stood for Robert Mushets Special steel, abbreviated here to just special steel, the licence to make it and sole rights to it were bought by Samuel Osborne (who made fine razors among other things - his use and marketing of RMS saw it as railway steel all over the world).

Mushet made the steel - in conditions of the greatest secrecy - at the Titanic Works from 1868, but in 1871 financial difficulties saw them close down and the steel process was sold to Osborne.

So - quite a bit of history and a conversation piece if ever there was one!

As Sharptonn (Tom) says, the other names are just dealers names who bought the razor in bulk to sell in their own shops/businesses, at a discount, and with their own name stamped onto the tang.

Regards,
Neil

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Originally Posted by mbg1081

"Lindsey & Son Oxford" is what is stamped on the tang, not sure if that can be made out in the pics I attached or not. Does that stamping have any significance that anyone here knows of?

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The only Lindsey & son in Oxford I can find is a butchers firm, established in 1867 and featuring in Aldens Guide of 1904. Maybe they had a run of razors made up to give to employees to mark some occasion or other?

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Regards,
Neil

Neil,

Thank you so much for taking the time to research and share that history on this razor! I never would have expected such an in-depth background on the razor when I first posted, especially on the manufacturing processes you described. I suppose it was common for employers to give SRs as gifts to their workers? I've seen that mentioned in other forums as well. Wish my boss would spring for a nice razor for his boys...

Much appreciated,

Mike

Looks like a decent razor, if that is not a crack. I have bought similar razors in similar condition in the 20-30 dollar price range.

As said make an offer, negotiate and be prepared to walk away. Note all the defects when making an offer, rust on pivot, possible crack in the blade, rust on blade, cost of re-honing and time to clean and polish the blade and scales. Sellers also, can be more motivated at the end of the month, when the rent is due.

There are tons of razors just like that one for sale, don’t fall in love.

On the other hand… a razor blade, some steel wool, WD40, some metal polish and a good honing will make it a shaver.