Thread: Early Harwood & Co.

Originally Posted by karlej

You are not against the grain at all. I'm sure there a many collectors that feel the same way. Scienceguy probably raised an eyebrow. There are certainly fewer of these old razors out there than the say 1850+ blades. The razor was wanted as an everyday shaver and leaving it as is was not an option for that purpose. A minimal restore would have left a blade with many deep pits and at that point not original anymore. Some folks like to shave with razors like that because they have left some character on the blade and some do not like that. All serious considerations when restoring any of the 19th century blades. Each must decide for themselves.
I new it would be controversial to post it. The conversation frequently comes up when restoring the old blades. How much is too much? Well some would say any.

Actually I'm on the fence. In fact I'm having an 1810s blade fully reground as we speak. Sometimes it is indeed really cool to see how these blades would have looked when made - this one especially is right on the edge of both worlds because it was in generally good condition when it started. (The scales were beautiful but would have required some serious effort at the wedge end). What I hate is when a blade full of pits is just buffed leading to the liquid metal appearance, or in general when careful attention is not paid to make the razor look like it once would have. This was a very tactful restore.

I'm gonna stay with the grain here Karl...I think you really did a responsible and beautiful restoration. Lovely work...

In keeping with the original look, I like it. Well done.

I think it's a fabulous restoration. The argument that says the razor should be left as found falls down when you consider that some razors would not survive if left that way. When the razor was made it did not have the pits evident when restoration began, ergo it was restored to original condition. There's a difference between patina and rust.

Great job nicely done. It's what the customer wanted.

Originally Posted by karlej

The razor was wanted as an everyday shaver and leaving it as is was not an option for that purpose. A minimal restore would have left a blade with many deep pits and at that point not original anymore. Some folks like to shave with razors like that because they have left some character on the blade and some do not like that.

It all comes down to personal preference. I have everyday razors in my collection that I use that are in far worse condition than what that Harwood started as, pits and all. I respectfully disagree with stating it wasn't an option, the razor would shave just as well without the buffing. I think the option comes down to aesthetics, not function. As long as it's not pitted on the edge, why worry about pits elsewhere? Leaving the pits keeps the razor as close to original as possible without removing an unnecessary amount of steel and changing the original profile.

Originally Posted by UKRob

The argument that says the razor should be left as found falls down when you consider that some razors would not survive if left that way. When the razor was made it did not have the pits evident when restoration began, ergo it was restored to original condition. There's a difference between patina and rust.

Only with razors that are severely rusted, the razor in this thread was not. I don't think all razors should be left as found. It's good to clean off any active rust, which is possible to do without using sandpaper and buffing wheels. A light hand polish and oil keeps it in good order. IMHO "restoring to original condition" is oxymoronic because the method used to do so alters the razor, leaving it further from original than before the restoration.

That's my Harwood and what a magnificent job Karl did restoring it. Let me ask you guys....which of these would you want in your garage:






I think I know which one you'd take. I know this is stretching it but you know what I mean. I do the same type of restoration whether it be a vintage Dunhill briar pipe from the 1920's or a Winchester rifle from the 1800's. I restore to as close to new condition as I can. The key word here is 'new' and not original. I don't collect just to collect and have it sit in a glass case in my den. I collect to use regardless of age. It doesn't matter to me if it degrades the cash value....I don't collect for future profit. Bringing these old straights to new condition (albeit with new scales and pins) as they looked 200 years ago is a marvel to behold. And Karl...you're the guy that can do it.

Ray

'If dogs don't go to Heaven then I want to go where they go.'

Ray, I do understand where you are coming from and the important thing is that you are happy with your razor. Karl did a fine job, I'm not arguing that. I'm just expressing my thoughts on restoring vintage razors.

I like the reference to old guns. Restore or refinish? I much prefer the look of this razor in the after state. I hope to own a stub tail one day and will definitely have it refinished similar to this one.

I have some old wood furniture that was refinished by my Mom and like the clean look much better than if the same pieces were in their original finish with patina. I know the antique dealers will say they would be worth more in their original condition. I'm enjoying them, not looking to sell them. Same with my razors.

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