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

[cannonfodder]

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.