Thread: What do you guys think of these replica washers?

They're similar to what I've seen on originals but not quite right.



http://www.ebay.ca/sch/ajkenne4xm3/m...p2047675.l2562

I think the originals may be a little wider in diam.

The originals were actually stamped steel covers over the washer.

Those are close, but I agree with onimaru55.

There are a lot of variations of the originals.

These are pretty nice, though. Almost useless without the steel support washer that goes underneath, but they look good all the same.

Of course, the bullseye washers were not the most common ones, and using standard brass washers doesn't really replicate the look of old Sheffield ones. The smaller washers would be by far the more useful.

Like Zak says, without the strength of the smaller, simpler, underlying steel washer these aren't a lot of good - they simply do not have the strength to withstand peening and will buckle inwards and/or flatten.

There are some solid ones available - not period correct, but they do away with the need for the under-washer and can stand peening - not sure who the seller is/was, though.

To be fair, though, the pics in the link Hart posted show ones that look much better, by and large.

Apart from the above, these look cruder - much cruder - than those made all those years ago. Evidently they are made using a punch and shim brass sheet, but of the four shown two look mis-struck to me - not good is it, a 50% hit rate?! Even the two that look passable have ragged edges where the punch has not severed the metal cleanly and the seller has not thought to tidy them up.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Apart from the above, these look cruder - much cruder - than those made all those years ago. Evidently they are made using a punch and shim brass sheet, but of the four shown two look mis-struck to me - not good is it, a 50% hit rate?! Even the two that look passable have ragged edges where the punch has not severed the metal cleanly and the seller has not thought to tidy them up.

Might be a bonus if you're going for a well worn antique look.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Might be a bonus if you're going for a well worn antique look.

Why stop there? A smack with a hammer could make the horn scales look the part, and leaving the razor in the rain then cutting cardboard with the blade would make a nice period piece!

Hey - I could do that! Gissa job, mate...

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Apart from the above, these look cruder - much cruder - than those made all those years ago. Evidently they are made using a punch and shim brass sheet, but of the four shown two look mis-struck to me - not good is it, a 50% hit rate?! Even the two that look passable have ragged edges where the punch has not severed the metal cleanly and the seller has not thought to tidy them up.

I've seen a lot of original Sheffield ones with bits of flash around the edges, but not so many with the mis-struck look.

One of the things I've been wondering lately is if the steel under-washer and brass bits were struck at the same time. Seems like that'd be the easiest way to make sure it all fit right. But then, smackin'em with a hammer tends to make'em fit pretty good too.

I you follow the link (40 Brass Bullseye Collars Washers FOR Repair OF OLD Sheffield Razors | eBay) there are some examples of the washers used on a couple of razors,



as well as dimensions. They show them as 0.19", when I measured some I had, they averaged 0.22" for the simple domes:



They are advertised as being rough and in need of polishing.

They also had this interesting pic:

I suspect the washers pictured are cast.