Thread: The Gentleman's Set

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

THe seller advertised as faux-ivory... do you think he was mistaken and it may in fact be ivory? Id be so happy if this was the case.

As a seller said to me after I purchased a beautiful set of two Joseph Rodgers 5/8's (above your set), I emailed him and asked him if the scales were made of bone or horn? He emailed me back, and with a wink said, "they are made of the other kind of material that looks like bone", they were in fact Ivory - wow! And the scales on that set are undoubtedly Ivory, they are antique's, and beautiful. Enjoy them!

Thanks again Phrank... I only paid approx 600 for this set I suspect that may be the best 600 I have spent

Thank you for your input... I am now worried that I shouldn't use them to shave with incase I break a scale. Are there any tips / tricks to preserve ivory scales, make them less brittle etc, like the tip for soaking horn scales in neatsfoot? I'd feel really bad if I damaged something that a more knowledgeable collector would take better care of.

Originally Posted by Anthony1954

Please,please don't replace the scales!!
If you are going to clean them up be really careful if you remove the scales for cleaning as they will be really brittle.
Mappin & Webb are renowned here in the UK for top end jewellery and other products.
At the time these razors were made I would think that their clientele would be the upper class and royalty.
Enjoy your shaves

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Thank you for your input... I am now worried that I shouldn't use them to shave with incase I break a scale. Are there any tips / tricks to preserve ivory scales, make them less brittle etc, like the tip for soaking horn scales in neatsfoot? I'd feel really bad if I damaged something that a more knowledgeable collector would take better care of.

I can help you with that - be very, very careful!

I treat all my blades the exact same way, regardless of cost. I ensure I'm not going to crack them on the tap, drop them on a hard floor, or ding them on the sink. I make sure the bathroom carpet is close to the sink, I drape a towel over the edge of the sink, I have a set place on the counter where I can safely place my razor if I need to, and above all, I take my time.

For me, if any rushing needs to be done, it's not time to pull out a straight, I'll use the DE.

With that in mind, that a shave with a straight is a time to focus on myself, get a level set for the day, time and care will ensure, most often, that you can prevent accidents from that occurring. I'm fairly certain I can say, the chances of damaging a razor, or cutting yourself, increases exponentially if you try to rush the experience.

Besides, with a fine blade in hand like that, who would rush a shave with one of those......

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Thank you for your input... I am now worried that I shouldn't use them to shave with incase I break a scale. Are there any tips / tricks to preserve ivory scales, make them less brittle etc, like the tip for soaking horn scales in neatsfoot? I'd feel really bad if I damaged something that a more knowledgeable collector would take better care of.

I'd leave the scales as they are they only become a problem when trying to remove them. Yes they may be delicate but not too delicate to use which is what you've bought them for.
My Grandmother (no she didn't shave!!) always used her best china even when we were kids, she had some beautiful stuff which always looked better on a table being used than stuck in cupboard. Those razors have lasted this long take care of them and my guess is they will outlast you but how much better to actually shave with a piece of history than put them away in a display case gathering dust.
just enjoy them and don't worry about damaging them as Phrank says if you're careful they won't come to any harm.
If you ever decide to sell them on bear me in mind, my daughter is emigrating to Australia this year so she could always pick them up!!!

Do NOT use neatsfoot Oil.use mineral oil,carefully rub it in untill the Scales become slightly warm, than treat with ren-wax.
Do this several times a year.
Ivory is alot tougher than most people realize.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Do NOT use neatsfoot Oil.use mineral oil,carefully rub it in untill the Scales become slightly warm, than treat with ren-wax.
Do this several times a year.
Ivory is alot tougher than most people realize.

Listen to pixelfixed - if there's anyone who knows their way around Ivory and razors, it's him....

Good to know, I'm waiting for my two razor set to come back from honing...thanks pixelfixed!

Originally Posted by Phrank

Listen to pixelfixed - if there's anyone who knows their way around Ivory and razors, it's him....

Good to know, I'm waiting for my two razor set to come back from honing...thanks pixelfixed!

Not so much razors,but I do fiddle around with Ivory,do a net search on Ivory care,lots of info.

Been posted before but here it is again.

Here is a link to The Rodgers' Company and its timeline; downloadable PDF
"Under Five Sovereigns"
Something to keep in mind is the British £ was worth a minimum of USD $3.13. Which in modern times equals $56.00!!! Or...that the skilled workman made the equivalent of USD $2 each day!
Enjoy!
~Richard
PS Those old razors were a man's prized possession!

Thanks for the perspective, Richard. It's nice to be reminded, and humbled, by the amount of effort that went into making razors in the past.