Thread: 18th century find?

Someone's trying to sell me a razor. He says it's an 18th century Hand Forged razor. Made by Marsden Sheffield. Then restored and Honed and shave ready with horn scales by Joe Edson? They won't tell me what they actually want for the razor, I'm supposed to just make an offer on it. The blade is stamped Marsden cast Steel.
I'm not familiar with the razor design or the information received by the seller. Just thought I'd post here and see if I could get any input.

By the way, I do still occasionally use my straight razors and although slow I am getting better.
Thank you

To me that kind of razor is mainly for collectors. I’m a shaver. I have a collection, yes. But it’s a working collection. If you are a collector, you have to decide how that fits into your collection. As a shaver, it’s not something I would choose to use. Therefore it holds no interest for me.

You can look on EBay to see what others have sold for, or check Strazors. Were not allowed to give quote's or prices, here.

Originally Posted by outback

You can look on EBay to see what others have sold for, or check Strazors. Were not allowed to give quote's or prices, here.

I did start with eBay and do a sold listing search.
It doesn't seem like a popular razor. I was somewhat confused over the difference between the stamp that says cast Steel, and the owner that says Hand Forged. I don't know how that works? I don't see how you can have both. I also posted here thinking maybe if there is a Joe Edson who restores razors he may chimed in. Helping me to authenticate this item. Thank you for your reply.

Here is a thread about mine. Some history if you read through.
I do shave with it.....

https://straightrazorpalace.com/cust...d-marsden.html

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Here is a thread about mine. Some history if you read through.
I do shave with it.....

https://straightrazorpalace.com/cust...d-marsden.html

That's good reading thank you. Those scales are fantastic. Nice work on that repair as well.

@Outback.
What's a strazor?

'Strazors' is a website run By Manah, a member here.
He restores and sells razors(Among other things, I think!) and is an old historian.
Lots of razor history. You can do a search at top-right.

I've got some old ones. Never shaved with my late 1700s but my old Wosty stubtail is an excellent shaver.
In regard to whether or not you shave with it, I would say that depends on what you like.
There's no doubt that straight razor technology advanced, but that didn't render earlier blades obsolete, at the least not in desirability. IMHO

In regard to value, perhaps you might find a balance between what others pay, and what you will pay... and that is a factor of discernment that will develop in you over time.

That blade looks like it got a regrind at some point. Looks good
I'd try it out if it's not too much to pay. Check for other blades of similar condition and age and go from there..? For some people a regrind takes off value, for others not.

Two of my best shavers are turn of the century(17-1800) razors. A Wostenholm and a Roberts. I really enjoy shaving with them. That is a real nice razor you have. Good luck.