Thread: New Guy! Hi everyone! Could I get some help on a couple things?

Originally Posted by oblonglego

Hey everyone,
I'm just getting started on SR shaving and have purchased a W.T. Staniforth Ascend, it has the word "IMPERIAL" imprinted on the blade. I picked it up at an antiques shop for very cheap. The razor has some pockmarks and a little degradation but it doesn't seem to bad. It looks like someone recently tried to sharpen it and didn't put any tape on the back because there is some wear on the spine. I tried the hair test and it failed, it is very sharp but not good enough for shaving. I'm considering restoring it myself but am unable to find any information on this brand or model. I was wondering if anyone knew if this is a top notch razor and I should get it done by someone with experience? Or if this is a junk model that won't matter if I screw it up.
Any help on this would be appreciated.
Thanks for the help

I found your thread tonight after just acquiring a WT Staniforth "Ascend" razor myself! My wife found it in an antique store and picked it up cheap! It is now several years later from your post and I am wondering...did you restore it? Do you have pictures? Do you still own it? I found the following info on Mr. Staniforth;

WILLIAM THOMAS STANIFORTH (STANIFARTH)
Ascend Works, Arundel Lane, Sheffield and 26 Edmund Rd., Old Mill Cottage, Sheffield
ca 1863 - at least 1919
ca. 1852 - 1906 in Goins

Oblonglego is one of a large group of members who post for a short while then do not return. It would be interesting to find out what happens in such cases, but the Community/Member list is essentially dominated by this kind of activity. His last activity was 11/30/09 and is typical of the average user of this forum.