Thread: Early Jonathan Hall

Jonathan Hall's name appears several times in the Sheffield directories. He is listed at China (Cheney) Square in 1787 using the trade mark 'GRATIAN'. In the late 1820's he was listed at Union Lane. By 1833 the business was trading as John & William Hall. This wedge blade dates circa 1790 - 1810, measures 6/8 at its widest point and is restored in what is believed to be its original glazed type finish. Period collect style scales are made in honey horn with brass domed collars and a lead wedge. Some before pictures with home made wood scales and in work pictures are posted.

Karl strikes again!

Very nice Karl. Looks to be a great shaver...I love the 'old ones'!

Awesome restoration per usual. Really love the shape of the scales and the color you got out of that honey horn. Do you sand down the inside of the scales to the same degree as the outside or do you leave the inside as they arrive to leave a bit more opaqueness?

Originally Posted by jseitz

Awesome restoration per usual. Really love the shape of the scales and the color you got out of that honey horn. Do you sand down the inside of the scales to the same degree as the outside or do you leave the inside as they arrive to leave a bit more opaqueness?

I rarely can use a honey horn blank as I receive it. Although the blank has been polished when I receive it the blank is almost always a bit wavy and usually has some warp to it. The scale is cut to the oversized shape and straightened as much as possible using a heat gun. Once straight it goes on a 1 1/2 inch square block of wood with double sided carpet tape and is sanded flat starting on an 80 grit belt. It cuts fast and a light even touch trues it up nicely. Then hand sanded using the same block on a flat bench 100 grit, 220, 320, 400. If I'm looking for more transparency I buff the inside of the scale after they are finished being careful to stay off the wedge area because I want that area dead flat. I use the same process for black horn, bone and wood. There are probably many ways to get the inside of the scales flat and true. This is my method and once you've done it few times it goes quickly. I have tried laying it flat on 6 inch belt but it never comes out flat for me and requires too much hand sanding to true up.

Thanks for sharing the info Karl! It's no wonder your finished product always looks superb.

Excellent work as always Karl! Always look forward to seeing what you are up to...