Thread: Bengall's Band of Brothers

Hi Substance,

I just saw your post; I would have sent something earlier if I'd seen it :-)
First up, does the maker's information stamped on the back of the tang include the word "England" as well as Sheffield? If it does it's post 1891. Razors made earlier than that aren't common, I imagine because most of them were worn out with use. You do see some 19thC razors but the overwhelming majority of blades found in antique stores in this country, or offered on the Australian branch of ebay are 20thC. I suspect the 1920s and 30s were the high water mark for straights in this country, men pretty much abandoned them post WWII in favour of the new Gillette DEs that flooded in from England. The US had caught on to DEs in a big way before that of course.
regards

Mike

G'day Mike,
A couple of new photos a bit clearer of the stamps etc
It has Eng: but not the full word England
Thanks Sub

Here's mine; a nice wedge. One of my SRP mates gave it to me; but I can't remember who! If you read this, remind me!

The scales are from an old Törnblom, homemade I think; a little cracked at the pivot but still usable. They're a very soft wood, maybe birch? Pine?

The steel of the razor seems to be very soft; almost buttery.

I patinated the razor a little and buffed off some to give it a nice burnished look. It has some hone wear but has life it in yet.

It's a heavy razor to use (but I like light razors generally like framebacks and full hollows) but has a satisfying feel in the hand.

Very nice Carl, Bengall wedges are as rare as rocking horse s%*t. I recently honed up a 1/4 hollow for a mate of kevinred's. I hadn't taken much notice of its profile as I ran it over the hones and when I gave it the shave test did I get a surprise - no sound and stuff all feedback through the fingers!

Nice blade Sub. The word "Eng" definitely makes it safe to call it late Victorian or Edwardian. In any case I'd place it well before the first world war. Have you confirmed the scales as horn? It's quiet common to find Vulcanite (hard rubber) scales at this date. How do you tell? Give 'em a sniff: Vulcanite has a chemical sort of smell that you can't miss - you'll know it when you smell it

Mike

Originally Posted by Maladroit

Nice blade Sub. The word "Eng" definitely makes it safe to call it late Victorian or Edwardian. In any case I'd place it well before the first world war. Have you confirmed the scales as horn? It's quiet common to find Vulcanite (hard rubber) scales at this date. How do you tell? Give 'em a sniff: Vulcanite has a chemical sort of smell that you can't miss - you'll know it when you smell it
Mike

Definately horn Mike & with a lead wedge, gave them a neetsfoot bath for a week odd, they have a nice grain in them at the moment but I have not sanded etc yet, I only honed to test & it shaves very nice, this has a heavier tang & looks more traditionally ground not drop forged like my other Bengall which has the more common black cell scales and usual star patterns in dots on the tang

They are some nice razors there Substance, Carl!!
I have some similar razors as well. I have one that is almost the same style as yours there Substance, though mine doesnt have any stamping on the reverse side so its most likely a bit older, it has the same style horn scales and lead wedge as well, the main difference being its a half hollow grind. its on my bench to have a full clean up atm so ill post some pics here when its done :-)

Carl, I also have a nice cast steel bengall in my resto pile. Its just waiting on me to get some more skill at restoring so I can give it the treatment I am imagining.

I am working on restoring one now. I have some pitting that is being stubborn but can not wait to complete it and shave. I believe it will be a beauty. I will post photos soon.

Bengall club members, Here is my newest addition cleaned up. Glad to become a member of this club. This razor seems like it will be amazing. Does anyone know what version this is or what it might be? Other than being a Bengall from England, I know nothing about it. I will hone it up this weekend. Thank you in advance.