Thread: Thomas Turner and Co Encore - Quality of steel?

I've never used a SR before. I have been lurking here on and off for a while, waiting for my Braun electric to die. It did. I have vowed never to buy an electric again. I have decided I will go with a vintage SR or some DE safety razor (either new or vintage).

Soooo, I'm in this local antique shop and see a Thomas Turner and Co. with "Encore" on the blade. From the info I've found online, it's from the first half of the 20th century up until they went out around 1932 or so. Nothing fancy, an every day kind of razor, no fancy engraving or anything like that. No nicks, cracks, etc. Just some mild rust and discoloration of the metal.

I know I can't get any kind of estimate on "worth", but surely I can get some kind of idea on the type of quality these razors have? Did they have different levels of quality to their razors during this period? Were all the blades the same steel with the only difference being engraving, level of polish, etc.?

Just trying to get some info to make the best uninformed decision possible. I'm going to assume between $20 and $30 to send it out to someone to get it shave ready. I think the razor is functional other than that. I accept the fact that I could be wrong, and will chalk it up to learning if I purchase this and it turns out to cost more than I figured.

So I guess I'm trying to get an idea of where these razors sat in the quality curve for that time period and what price range a restored version of this plain-Jane Thomas Turner would fall, hoping I don't end up spending triple what it might be worth.

Then again, I might just have to go with a DE safety razor. I'm overwhelmed with how much there is to know and how little info is given on eBay. Wow. I mean, like no clear pictures and almost zero info. Vintage!! Bidding starts at just $75 for this fuzz ball I'm calling a vintage razor!!! I'm sure you all know this.

Thanks for any info or advice.

From what I have looked up, seems to be a reputable manufactuer and good Sheffield steel. If there are no physical problems with the razor, it should be a fine razor. You may want to look in the classifeds here. There are commonly good beginners razors that are already shave ready at respectible prices.

Best of luck and let us know how it goes.

I own a couple of Turner's and They are in my daily rotation where only the best survive. Mine are 1/4 hollows. The steel is superb Sheffield.