Thread: Sheffield Steel?

Hey guys, I have a little bit of a problem. I have been able to get great edges off of every type of razor that I have tried except for Sheffield Steel. I recently got a coticule and it was a lot better than anything else I've tried.

The edges have been good for shaving, but just seemed too harsh (crispy, might be a better term) for my liking.

My honing setup is Shaptons all the way from 1-30K with the option to use J Nat (believed to be Kiita Asagi blend) or Coticule (which I use from bevel setting through finish).

Like I said, I can shave with them, but I've not been able to get them nearly as smooth and comfortable as my vintage German and American razors.

Interestingly, I've discussed this issue with another SRP member privately and he made a similar observation (with the noted exception of being quite happy with Joseph Rogers razors).

Any thoughts on a) is this mental, 2) what do you do to get your edges silky smooth with Sheffield Steel?

Thanks in advance

I'm confused as to what you're finishing these Sheffield blades on - Shapton, jnat, or coti - and which are giving you harsh edges. Maybe try some chrome ox or stropping on newspaper; these seem to smooth edges.

I find that, in general, Sheffield steel is softer than german and american steel, but I have had a number of Frederick Reynolds blades that have been extremely harsh. I'm not sure that I've done enough to generalize about the steel, and I'm sure the steel varies based on the era and manufacturer.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I'm confused as to what you're finishing these Sheffield blades on - Shapton, jnat, or coti - and which are giving you harsh edges. Maybe try some chrome ox or stropping on newspaper; these seem to smooth edges.

I find that, in general, Sheffield steel is softer than german and american steel, but I have had a number of Frederick Reynolds blades that have been extremely harsh. I'm not sure that I've done enough to generalize about the steel, and I'm sure the steel varies based on the era and manufacturer.

Yeah, to clarify, I've tried finishing on Shaptons, J Nats, ChrOx, and most recently Coticule with Coticule being the best to date (I'm new to Coticules so I'm assuming that it will get much better).

I was reading through some old texts recently and came across an article from the mid eighteen hundreds that talked about Sheffield razor makers and how it was common practice for razor makers on contract to make razors for others in which case they would stamp the purchasing entity's name on the tang.

This article went on to say as such, inferior razors of less than satisfactory quality steel were sold. The article said nomenclature such as "London Made" and "Best Steel" were red flags back then for lesser quality razors. I've never seen a razor stamped "London Made".

Incidentally, Joseph Rodgers Cuterly Works was mentioned in this same article as being set apart from other Sheffield makers in that Joseph Rodgers refused to make razors stamped with any maker mark other than their own.

When I get some time, I'll see about attaching the article section here. It would be in PDF format since I'd have to scan in the doc.

I bring all this up in the very off chance that some of the Sheffield razors that don't take an edge, seem sub par, may be of lesser quality? I'm skeptical, but bring it up anyway. I would not be able to search for that article until next week.

Chris L

Originally Posted by ChrisL

I was reading through some old texts recently and came across an article from the mid eighteen hundreds that talked about Sheffield razor makers and how it was common practice for razor makers on contract to make razors for others in which case they would stamp the purchasing entity's name on the tang.

This article went on to say as such, inferior razors of less than satisfactory quality steel were sold. The article said nomenclature such as "London Made" and "Best Steel" were red flags back then for lesser quality razors. I've never seen a razor stamped "London Made".

Incidentally, Joseph Rodgers Cuterly Works was mentioned in this same article as being set apart from other Sheffield makers in that Joseph Rodgers refused to make razors stamped with any maker mark other than their own.

When I get some time, I'll see about attaching the article section here. It would be in PDF format since I'd have to scan in the doc.

I bring all this up in the very off chance that some of the Sheffield razors that don't take an edge, seem sub par, may be of lesser quality? I'm skeptical, but bring it up anyway. I would not be able to search for that article until next week.

Chris L

That's really interesting... Thanks

Shefield steel is normaly very highly recomended i have a john clark and son and it is sheffield and one of the smoothest razors i have got . I have a racoon shefield and it as never been no where as smooth still does'nt pull and shaves but not as smooth as i'd like .

Originally Posted by gary haywood

Shefield steel is normaly very highly recomended i have a john clark and son and it is sheffield and one of the smoothest razors i have got . I have a racoon shefield and it as never been no where as smooth still does'nt pull and shaves but not as smooth as i'd like .

You know, Gary, that's why I started this thread. It is highly recommended, but I've not had nearly as much luck with it as I have other types of steel consistently. Like I said, they have been fine, but other steels have been much better.

I haven't experienced the harshness you describe but what I can say about Sheffields that I have honed is that most of them have taken a lot longer than Solingens. Of course they are wedges and smiling blades to boot so that isn't surprising. I've gotten great edges and shaves out of some Sheffields and average results out of others. Maybe due to my honing rather than the steel though. I have to return those to the hones and see if I've made any progress in my skill level.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I haven't experienced the harshness you describe but what I can say about Sheffields that I have honed is that most of them have taken a lot longer than Solingens. Of course they are wedges and smiling blades to boot so that isn't surprising. I've gotten great edges and shaves out of some Sheffields and average results out of others. Maybe due to my honing rather than the steel though. I have to return those to the hones and see if I've made any progress in my skill level.

I fully suspect my skill level is the culprit. That's why I'm asking for guidance on reaching optimum keenness on these

Originally Posted by richmondesi

I fully suspect my skill level is the culprit. That's why I'm asking for guidance on reaching optimum keenness on these

Practice? I get the feeling that honing is one of those skills that always opens up to new plateaus just when you think you had it all.