Thread: Finally, a 7/8 Joseph Rodgers

What is the general feeling about Joseph Rodgers razors? I read somewhere that the "d" was removed for razors sent to the colonies - so there are Joseph Rogers and Joseph Rodgers razors...any difference in quality? - Why aren't these things as well known or sought after as say Wade and Butcher razors? I don't see Rodgers razors around very often, event though from my research they were around a long time (and still are making knives, no?) and one of the oldest cutlers in Sheffield (I think uniclectica says 1682, named cutlers to his majesty in 1821)

Does it matter that they were "cutlers to the stars"?

K

I have read that all sheffield steel sent to the colonies was of inferior quality to prevent them from using sheffield steel against England in an armed conflict.
Don't know if that applied to razors as well.

As for why they are not that sought after: hype I guess. I can personally attest that JR made extremely nice razors. W&B is probably a more famous and widespread name.

EDIT: JR were cutlers to 'their majesties' so there is no reason why they should be worse than WB.

Originally Posted by Bruno

I have read that all sheffield steel sent to the colonies was of inferior quality to prevent them from using sheffield steel against England in an armed conflict.
Don't know if that applied to razors as well.

As for why they are not that sought after: hype I guess. I can personally attest that JR made extremely nice razors. W&B is probably a more famous and widespread name.

EDIT: JR were cutlers to 'their majesties' so there is no reason why they should be worse than WB.

I haven't shaved with my JRs yet, but let me say that I hear they are one of the few best brands of the old English razors. W&B is somewhat lower on the totem pole.

Sure, W&B was more common - which doesn't mean better. Heck, Ford is more common than... say Mercedes. I like W&B and don't mean to belittle them. Just sayin'

This tidbit doesn't come from yours truly, but from a couple of guys who should know much better than I do.

Cheers
Ivo

Joseph Rodgers are some of the best English razors in my opinion, although I think I like Frederick Reynolds a little better, but that is just personal opinion!

I've got a matching pair of JR wedges with ivory scales - they shave beautifully, honed reasonably easily, and have maintained an excellent edge for quite a while now.

I picked mine up in Brisbane, Australia, from an antiques dealer. They have a "D" in the name, and we're about as colonial as you can get. Of course, these could have been brought over to Aus from the UK by the owner, so it's not necessarily evidence against the idea that the colonial versions of JRs were inferior - but if these are inferior steel it says a lot about what Dovo are currently producing, IMO.

James.

Some time ago I honed a pair of curved 6/8 JR full wedges for SRP'er Anselmo.
I really felt sad to see them go when I was ready.

They were the nicest razors I've had in my hands to date. I am glad that the general public seems to be obsessed about Dubl Duck and W&B. That way I can get a good deal on other Sheffield razors.