G'day from Melbourne, Australia

G'day everybody,

My name is Mark and I'm from Melbourne, Australia. Today I received the first of a few straight razors I bought and I'm very excited to get started shaving this way. Must say that I do already have respect for everyone shaving this way as this 'device' could just as well be used as a lethal weapon!
Before I started buying I did a lot of reading about it and have also spoken to a mate who has been shaving this way for the past 2 years.
As I have a thing for most things vintage the first razor I ended up buying was a Joseph Rodgers & Sons (Cutlers to their majesties - No 6 Norfolk Street - Sheffield - England). So hereby also my first question to the people on this forum; can anyone tell me whether or not this a real razor or possibly a fake (the engravings are a bit different from other razors I've seen online) and if it is real, how old I might be? The person I bought it off didn't know much about it and I didn't pay a huge amount for it (AU$100).

Cheers!

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welcome aboard!

Welcome to SRP!! Can't help you with that question, but there should be someone along shortly that can.
A lot of great folks and info here.
Enjoy and have fun, that's what it's all about

Welcome.
Fear not, your razors are real. Over years of production many many manufacturers altered their stamps slightly. It may have been because they moved locations. Prior to a certain date country of origin was not stamped on shank. So breath easy.
The most important thing is that you get them professionally honed before Shaving so you can get full pleasure from them.d

Welcome to SRP, I believe the date was 1891, anything with the country of origin is after 1891 and if there is NO country of origin it is before 1891. If I were to venture my best guess I would say the blade pictured is early 1900's the scales are bakelite maybe celluloid, im not the best at telling them apart. I believe if you start scrubbing or sanding the scales and get a burnt rubber odor then they are bakelite. Looks like that razor should clean up easy and well though.
Be sure to check out the library there is lots of great info in there and the workshop has lots of great resto advice. Ask any questions you may have and enjoy, as stated be sure to get the razor properly honed and you will be in business.

Hello and welcome to SRP!
Good to have you aboard.
A little tlc and that razor will be a beauty.
Enjoy the forum.

Pete <:-}

Hi and welcome aboard. Looks in good condition and will be a good shaver. If your mate cant hone maybe contact Onimaru for a pro honing. He is is Sydney. Be sure to check out the down under forum as well you might be able to get some local help

G'day, Mark!

Welcome to the forum! I'm based down in Melbs, myself.
You'll find a knowledgeable, pleasant and welcoming community here, I'm sure (I have).
My first razor was a vintage Sheffield from about the same period. I love the thing.

+1 for getting on the Down Under boards for a bit more local info.

Welcome to the forum. :)

Welcome, Cobber! Good spot, this!
Bruce

Welcome to the forum from the northern/wintry hemisphere. You found yourself a fine, old shaving instrument. Good luck getting the skills down, and do participate in a local meet-up if possible to speed up the learning process (especially if you plan on honing yourself at some point).

Gday, mate.
Welcome to SRP.
Yes its real, but I'm curious...is it flat on one side, or is it the angle of the picture.?