Thread: The "American Razor" from James Barlow & Sons

Nice work G man. That's a lovely piece of horn.

Glen, I remain humbled and amazed by your craftsmanship! WELL DONE, SIR!
I'd like to add that I think those scales look extremely elegant!

American Razor are fantastic Shaver
Here are my, one Greaves and one W&B

They are both beauties. Would love to experience either of them.

Nice job Glen.
That is some awesome colour on that horn.
Well done
Mike

Thats one good lookin razor Glen, nicely done.
Grant

Hello, I just came across this thread because I just bought the same razor off eBay and it's in great shape! I can see how the "H" in SHEFFIELD could look like a "M", but even though mine is similar, and the H is small, I can see it is a "H" on mine. I tried to enlarge the image, on Glenn's beautiful restoration, but can't really see the letter in question well enough.
Here is a picture of the razor before I got it in the mail. (11/16"-after I re-honed the blade) I have since, polished up the Buffalo Horn, and polished the blade and it's a nice razor, in fact I like it so much, I've taken to making it my everyday razor, stroping it on leather, then a piece of mild rouged cardboard, then plain mild cardboard. That method makes the edge more mirror like than a store bought razor under the lens. I like using it because of it's nostalgic history, The company James Barlow & Sons was in business from 1826-1856. Men who fought in the Revolutionary War may have still been alive when that razor was made! Andrew Jackson & Honest Abe were still around! So were Col. Travis, Jim Bowie, Davy Crockett!
The Sheffield stands for what was bragged about at the time in fine steel, "Sheffield Silver Steel", I'm not sure what the "ECHO" means, but I'm not giving up on that one.
My razor has scratched in it about two thousandth's deep "Shippy" probably the officer's last name as I will show - on the other side about the same depth is scratched "S3" which means "Squadron Operations Officer USMC" (WW-2?) since the scratch marks are so shallow, I decided to NOT remove them and polished around them! Why? Patriotism, Nostalgia, History? I guess so, If the next owner ever wants to remove it, it's an easy matter, but I like the scratches.
As I refinish that old "Barlow", I'll post it up on another thread because This thread is about Glenn's razor! I just thought it appropriate To show the same razor in the picture.
I take it that, Glenn, you did the engraving yourself? It's beautiful! Very Patriotic! I myself am in full agreement! If it's an original engraving, I was not aware the James Barlow & Sons engraved their razors like that.
In answer to the guy that asked about it being the same company as Barlow Knives, the answer is no. It was just a little family business that lasted for 30 years. Here is a Link about Barlow knives:
History of Barlow Knives
I have also seen the Barlow razor made with Turtle shell scales and it was beautiful craftsmanship.
Anyway, that's it for now, your razor is one to be proud of, great work!
Z

Beautiful work sir!

Yes...Glen's vintage restore work is always stellar, and this 'Barlow' is another fine example. Barlow's are such fantastic shavers.

I always pay attention to his work and how he approaches each project. This quality is what I aspire to with my humble efforts.

WP34

Wow, what a beauty!