Thread: Hi from Wakefield, England

Hi there, well what can I say, I started straight shaving about 4 months ago and will never go back. Before I took the leap I started with a edwin jagger de safety razor and was impressed with the results but then I took the leap and bought my first straight from a market, it was in bad condition but I cleaned and honed it myself getting it shave ready.


Remember this was my practice razor and I messed up with removing some black rust and used too much abrasive.

I then progressed onto buying two more razors to make a rotation.



The Dovo was a bargain on ebay at £15.00, the edge had gone but was easy to re hone.

My most recent purchase are these, they are un used but due to storage they suffered black rust which I have managed to clean most off using a soft toothbrush and some baking soda, as well as meguiars nxt generation all metal polysch, which iv got to say is fantastic. I do not know anything regarding these other than I think the scales are ox bone....
I used one last night and wow, my best shave so far.

Welcome to the forum. Looks like you have come a long way in 4 months, congratulations. That is one fine looking 7 day set you have. I really like the shoulder less blades with jimps top and bottom topped of with bone scales, understated quality I think. Is there a makers stamp?

Bob

Hi Bob, thanks,

The only makers stamp I can find is 'FINNIGANS ltd 18 NEW BOND ST W'
Then on mondays razor scratched onto the scale it says 'Z485C'

I'v had a brief look on google but nothings jumpes out

That is interesting, as I think they were made for Finnigans by someone else for the retail trade. Sort of like store/house brands today. Still it looks very high quality to me anyway. I would love to find a 7 day set like that that, nothing fancy just good solid quality. I hope you get a lot of enjoyment from them.

Bob

Welcome! I've only been at it a few months more than you. I love it as well!

Thank you guys. Bob I just went into a local charity store and I bought a vintage gillette travel set that was complete and enquired as I'd be interested in any other shaving items. The volunteer working there said she had a unused set of straights that were her great grandads and unused. She only wanted £50 so I snapped them up

You do understand you are breaking my heart with all your good fortune. At least grandads set went to a good home to be cared for and used as they were intended. We all should be so lucky.

Bob

I have a friend who lives in Sheffield, maybe I should have her hunt around town for me.

Could be worth a try, most of my luck as been from asking around especially with the older generation, felt a bit cheeky but as the saying goes, if you don't ask you never know.
I'll keep my eye open to as I think I'v got enough for myself now... or at least till another catches my eye lol

Finnigans were originally from Manchester and in 1901 they expanded their business to include Liverpool and New Bond St London.
They were well respected for the quality of their products, but were better known for making luggage and many other luggage makers of the time used Finnigans hinges and clasps etc.
Your razors will most likely have very thin ox bone scales and the blade will be sheffield silver steel.
As for date. I have no idea other than they are after 1901 and were NOT made for export (Unless they say "England" on them)
Between 1875 and 1900 they were Finnigans, and became Finnigans Ltd in 1901.
Very nice set.