Thread: Scrimshawed James Barlow and Sons "American Razor"

Fine posts from all!
Here is something a bit different! This Echo Razor Blade has been my "desk blade" for many months. It was plenty rusty and pitted as I aquired it. I hand sand on it while I sit on hold, using the phone. I found this scrimshawed razor on ebay and thought it would have the scales I needed! As I received it, I found that the scales were too short! Since the blade was never going to clean up entirely, I ground the end off, eliminating the original barber's notch, and made a small, high notch. I used the original lead wedge from the blade's original scales, (modded, of course) and crammed it in. The scales are chock full of blade! I also found that my eternal hand sanding had altered the tang geometry and some work was involved to make the blade center!
The scrimshaw on the scales is cool! It is amazing how crude it looks under magnification, yet it looks so nice to the naked eye! I even found the artist's initials on it.
The material is an enigma to me. It does not have the graining of bone, nor the growth patterns of ivory. Sort of an elongated, striated grain. The rear scale has a wild "vein" running through the middle. I like to think whalebone, but have no idea! Anyway, I am happy with the result! One of a kind to be sure! Now to set a bevel and get it running again! Thanks for looking, Tom

Sorry, a few more pictures

A lot of work, turned out a beautiful shaver.
Thanks for sharing.

i like it... very impressive work!!

Beautiful razor. Not sure what the scales are for sure, but I've seen walrus tusk with that kind of graining to it.

Originally Posted by Theseus

Beautiful razor. Not sure what the scales are for sure, but I've seen walrus tusk with that kind of graining to it.

I agree. Here is a link that might help.

Identify Ivory