Thread: New Canadian member from Niagara region

Hello all.

I have been shaving (off and on) with a straight razor for about 30 years. For some reason, probably laziness, I got away from it for a while.

About 5 years ago I came across this unique internet site with all kinds of expert advice on the topic and my interest was rekindled. I managed a few good scores on eBay and a really great find (Wolstenholme IXL with a Spanish point in great shape with original box for $10) at a flea market in Florida and was hooked.

For a while I thought I was going to suffer severe RAD, but now I tend to focus on bringing some of my older razors back to life - nothing like full restorations, but cleaning them up and getting them as shave ready as I am able. I am not a collector so much as a shaver who really enjoys the whole production of shaving with a straight.

I use a DMT 1000 to set bevels, a Norton 4000/8000 in progression and finish with a combination coticule/BBW, Oozuku JNat or a recently acquired Vermio. I use CrOx on balsa and diamond spray on felt to finish some blades before stropping on an old hanging strop I inherited from my father.

Haven’t yet worked up to making my own scales, but that is a goal.

Everything I know, I learned from the generous folks on this site. Thank you.

Here’s the Wolstenholme. All I had to do was reset the bevel and clean it up a bit. Shaves like butter. Any information about its vintage would be appreciated.

Welcome to the forum

This site STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - George Wostenholm & Son, Sheffield. gives the dates that they operated from the Washington Works as 1848 to 1978. As you razor does not have England stamped on it along with Sheffield my bet is that it was made some time between 1848 and 1891. The Treaty of Madrid in 1891 required products to be marked with the country of origin. That is as close as I can guess.

Bob

Thanks Bob.

It amazes me that a razor that old is in such good shape. Someone cared for it or barely used it.

David

Welcome. There are quite few Ontarian's here and even more Canucks. Lots of info and sharing.

Hello and welcome to SRP.
Enjoy your time here on the forum.

Pete <:-}

Originally Posted by RezDog

Welcome. There are quite few Ontarian's here and even more Canucks. Lots of info and sharing.

Hey wait a minute aren't Ontarian's Canucks too?

Bob