5/8 Barber notch IXL Wostenholm engraved blade in black buffalo

This is a nice little George Wostenholm&Son IXL razor. The blade had a lot of staining but was relatively free from rust although the original scales were well beyond use. The blade is heavely etched and to preserve the etching you can only do so much buffing. The blade got a full progression on the compounds to clean it up and it cleaned up nicely.


The scales are buffalo horn with 1/16 brass pins and brass washers. The wedge is maple burl and the blade has brass thrust bearings.


The blade proudly proclaims itself hollow ground but these old hollow ground razors were little more than a skinny wedge. The blade took a surprisingly long time to hone but it took an exceptional edge as most Wostenholm's do. A very nice shaving razor.

Beautiful work as always. Glad you could save that etch.

Great restore. Nice looking razor, what is the size? 4/8?

Big 4/8 or small 5/8.

Nice! :tu

I have a Wosty pipe razor and it's a great little shaver. Great job keeping the etch as well!

Gentlemen: I have a Wostenholm 4/8" with a Spanish point and it is one of my top shavers. I use it for travel. It was one of my earlier razors. I don't know where I found it, but Lynn restored and honed it. The original scales are pristine. I would not part with that razor for the world. My dear cannonfodder, you have a gem of a razor. Enjoy it.

Actually I have 3 of them, this one is for someone else and it is a super shaver.

I agree with Mr Baldy, anytime you can save the etching and maintain the original markings is always a winner. Excellent work sir!