Thread: The Gentleman's Set

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.

Re-post from the stub-tailed thread :


Local find :



* Gniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiii *



* blaaaaaam ! *









Patience worth it.