Thread: W. Greaves & Sons, Sheaf Works... circa 1826-1850

Originally Posted by Martin103

Beautiful restoration, time correct, very elegant, great work once again.

Thanks Martin! Always nice to hear from you...

Originally Posted by Caihlen

Super tasteful. Nery nicely done.

Thank you...appreciate it!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Whoa! I missed this one! Looks great! So is this a factory hollow, Mike?

Har! Thanks Tom...good to hear from you. And yes, it is a factory hollow ground, and shaves like a dream!

I asked because I have never seen a Greaves wide, double-stabilized like that with that tang.
Not to be contrary or devalue it in any way, but I wonder if it is not an old, expert regrind?

Indeed, some of those are my favorites! Makes them nice!

That is absolutely stunning, thank you for sharing! I love those vintage Sheffield blades, they are terrific

Oh it's definitely a wonderful grind on this one Tom...and it is also definitely one that was done originally by the manufacturer. I've seen a lot of re-grinds as well and this ain't one...if you held it in your hand you would know. It's too perfect.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I asked because I have never seen a Greaves wide, double-stabilized like that with that tang.
Not to be contrary or devalue it in any way, but I wonder if it is not an old, expert regrind?

Indeed, some of those are my favorites! Makes them nice!

The double stabilizer grind did not start to show up until the 1870's. Wm. Greaves & Sons was dissolved, the stock and machinery auctioned, and the remaining partners separated in 1850. Greaves did not regrind that razor IMHO but it has been re-ground. That being said there are a lot of professionally re-ground blades out there. It was part of the cutlery business.
Here is a re-gound Greaves from my collection.

Kind of what I was thinking as well, Karl.

Some are obviously reground. Rarely do I see one which is done with such precision (esp variances from side-to-side) that it looks totally like it was made that way.

This brings the subject of regrinding into the forefront again (I'm guessing and pretending to have knowledge derived by sturdy research). I have read that some regrinds were more skillfully done than the original grinds. Why would this be and what is the sample of razors used to determine this? If a cutler was local and his reputation was on the line with all of his work he may be more attentive. The original manufacturer might have a pool of grinders all of whom were removed from personal contact with the public.
Anyway, cool razor and a beautiful restore, no matter how many hands have been on it.

Re-grind or original grind I will say simply that it is a beautiful razor that was well done by a talented craftsman, and regardless makes no difference to me. Obviously I'll defer to both you and Tom Karl...your knowledge bases re. the history of SR's are more extensive than mine.

Thanks for the input...

I have several reground ones. All are excellent shavers!

As do I Tom! I would venture to guess that after 100, 150, or more years there are probably more re-ground razors in existence than original 'untouched' blades. I've never really quite understood the way some folks disparage quality re-ground razors or bring it up as a disqualifying factor of some sort...