Thread: 6/8 half hollow? in multi color buffalo horn with the original owners name and addres

I came across this razor several months back and had to pick it up. Not because of the grind or condition of the blade but because of the tang stamp. This blade has not only a name but a street address stamped on the tang. It must have been made for someone with a bucket of cash or a barber. Unfortunately that stretch of Germantown Ave is composed of log derelict buildings so I will never know who the original owner was. It would be quite cool if it was a still existing business but it looks like that address is an empty lot or boarded up redbrick. What makes it even more interesting is that I am moving to Philly later this year.


One side of the tang is stamped William Bieser, 1757 Germantown Avenue, Philadelphia, PA.. The other side simply reads made in England. The blade was in decent shape with only minor pitting and staining. I descaled the blade, gave it a sanding to clean it up but stopped short of mirror polishing it. I decided to go for the satin, or brushed stainless look on this one. Normally I micro mesh sand and buff everything out but wanted to see how it looked with a more original look to the blade. It is in very good condition with next to no hone ware.


I am not sure of the blade grind. It is hollowed out to much to call a wedge but the grinnd is to heavy for a quarter hollow, maybe a half or ¾ hollow grind? What do you think?


I decided to go with a nice set of multi colored buffalo horn scales and a bacote wedge. The pins are 1/16 inch brass rod with brass over stainless washers except for the third pin which is brass rod with a single brass washer.


I think it is a nice looking combination, I just wish I could find out more about William Bieser. It is ready to serve another generation.

Gorgeous horn and stylish design. Love the combination you chose. It's a perfect fit.

Job well done.

If you can ascertain the age of the razor you should be able to contact the city council or equivalent and find out what business occupied that address and if they moved.

The blade is pretty old. It was originally scaled in tortuous with a led wedge. I was hoping to save the Tortuous scales but they are de laminating badly at the ends.

William Bieser was a polisher and grinder of cutlery, page 249 1st column, middle of the page: http://www.libraries.psu.edu/do/digi...14_part_25.pdf

I simply googled his name!

Very good looking razor !

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

The blade is pretty old. It was originally scaled in tortuous with a led wedge. I was hoping to save the Tortuous scales but they are de laminating badly at the ends.

That is a cool razor and some nice rescaling work. Awesome!

However, and I really really don't mean to be nitpicky, but the word "Tortuous" means immensely complex, intricate, difficult, painful or excruciating...

I think you mean "Tortoise".

I only point it out because it took me a good minute to figure out that the scales, rather than being so ugly they were extremely painful for you to look at, were made of tortoise shell.

Excellent work, nice lines, good size and beautiful buffed finish.

10/10

Originally Posted by JimR

THowever, and I really really don't mean to be nitpicky, but the word "Tortuous" means immensely complex, intricate, difficult, painful or excruciating...

Difficult rescale ? Kidding aside, beautiful razor.

Originally Posted by cannonfodder

I think it is a nice looking combination, I just wish I could find out more about William Bieser. It is ready to serve another generation.

I am in complete agreement with your assessment. Love It!!