Thread: Beardsley and Alvord Empire Razor. Something Different!

I have not posted my work here for a while, so I have some restorations stored up to share. I have been interested in old American razors of late. Beardsley and Alvord's Empire razors from Winstead, Connecticut are certainly some of the oldest. This old blade was in fine condition, not much work required with just enough character. The horn scales were certainly the subject of a long-ago bug feast, so I paired the blade with a super-thin carved bone set I had been saving for some special steel. Lots of rust stains were present in the scales and many sessions of a damp Scotchbrite pad, dipped in Comet were needed, allowing the bone to dry out for a day between each session. Finally, the scales were acceptable. Some hairlines visible at the inside back scale pivot required coating the inside pivots with CA and sanding, while working the CA up and into the pivot holes to gain strength. As extra insurance for the peening to come, I CA'd some brass spacers in as well! (this bone is THIN!). The original lead wedge to the bone scales was determined too thick in the test-fit, so it was unpinned from the bottom as well and the wedge from the bug-eaten horn originals was substituted and fitted. All of the original triple-stacks from the bone scales were retained and used. Lots of polishing on the old bone, waxed at the end.
With the razor completed, I then tackled the original coffin box to the blade, cutting out pieces from an old razor box and hot-gluing in, hitting the wire wheel lightly to make the repairs look authentic. Painted the whole thing with a Sharpie Magnum and finished with a couple of coats of Birchwood Casey Tru-oil finish.
Lots of tedious work, But I am very happy with the outcome
Oh...It shaves like nobody's business, Like jewelry in the hand, finished on Escher!
Thanks for looking. I like comments and don't mind criticism (much)!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I have not posted my work here for a while, so I have some restorations stored up to share. I have been interested in old American razors of late. Beardsley and Alvord's Empire razors from Winstead, Connecticut are certainly some of the oldest. This old blade was in fine condition, not much work required with just enough character. The horn scales were certainly the subject of a long-ago bug feast, so I paired the blade with a super-thin carved bone set I had been saving for some special steel. Lots of rust stains were present in the scales and many sessions of a damp Scotchbrite pad, dipped in Comet were needed, allowing the bone to dry out for a day between each session. Finally, the scales were acceptable. Some hairlines visible at the inside back scale pivot required coating the inside pivots with CA and sanding, while working the CA up and into the pivot holes to gain strength. As extra insurance for the peening to come, I CA'd some brass spacers in as well! (this bone is THIN!). The original lead wedge to the bone scales was determined too thick in the test-fit, so it was unpinned from the bottom as well and the wedge from the bug-eaten horn originals was substituted and fitted. All of the original triple-stacks from the bone scales were retained and used. Lots of polishing on the old bone, waxed at the end.

Beautiful work! I admire your patience and persistence, and I'm grateful for you having shared the process and photos with us. I'm also very glad that you chose those scales, rather than something gaudy and/or acrylic.

very nice work sharptonn!

As usual Tom you resurrected a hand full, and you knocked it out of the park. The blade and scales compliment each other perfectly.
Love it.
Darl

Nothing critical comes to mind in any way for me. SRP members who have done, are doing or learning to do restorations have to envy your work on that superb straight razor.

I really like those scales. The restoration as a whole is very nice. Did I mention how much I like the scales?

Originally Posted by RezDog

I really like those scales. The restoration as a whole is very nice. Did I mention how much I like the scales?

Yes, Rez! They are downright likable! Thanks! Thanks to all for the nice comments!

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

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Thanks, Jimmy! You are so nice to be nice!

What can one say , one is most impressed..........yet again - from all your Aussie mates.