Thread: Sheffields

With the growing trend to use straight razors I wonder why the Sheffield brands haven't come back. I know that there are some custom blade makers out there and dovo and boker are still going why dosn't some one in England take up the torch sort of speak. I for one would probably try one. Just a thought.

Originally Posted by rhensley

With the growing trend to use straight razors I wonder why the Sheffield brands haven't come back. I know that there are some custom blade makers out there and dovo and boker are still going why dosn't some one in England take up the torch sort of speak. I for one would probably try one. Just a thought.

Good thought! I would too.

Don't have an answer for you but was thinking the exact same thing just yesterday

I would love to get a chance at a new w $ b wedge of some kind. who know the wife might even increase my a launce

Originally Posted by rhensley

I would love to get a chance at a new w $ b wedge of some kind. who know the wife might even increase my a launce

I've noticed that there aren't many wedges in production, I wonder why that is? Not to get off track, but does anyone know why this is? A new-production W & B wedge would be amazing.

I really don't know but now that you mention it I haven't seen anything other than custom made blades in wedge. they might be offered in Europe I wonder.

I think it has something to do with the industrialisation of the razor (and cutlery) industry in Germany (specifically Solingen) in the early 20th century, which may have caused the Sheffield cutlery to bleed out slowly. It didn't eradicate it, but it must have made it more difficult for Sheffield cutlers to keep up. That's my guess. There probably aren't many able razor grinders left in Sheffield that have any access to or interest in picking up business. Even in Solingen there are only a few handful of skilled Meisters left, and they're getting old fast. One drop forge, 15 or so ageing Masters...it doesn't look too bright.

Originally Posted by rhensley

With the growing trend to use straight razors I wonder why the Sheffield brands haven't come back. I know that there are some custom blade makers out there and dovo and boker are still going why dosn't some one in England take up the torch sort of speak. I for one would probably try one. Just a thought.

Thought provoking post,,thanks,,,,I love the few Sheffields that I have & value them above the other vintage razors I own.

I for one, would not want to see a company revive a legendary razor. I would not feel the same about a modern Wade & Butcher for example.

Some things found & experienced in life, like shaving with a 150 year old Sheffield, should remain unaltered. JMO

Originally Posted by Hirlau

Thought provoking post,,thanks,,,,I love the few Sheffields that I have & value them above the other vintage razors I own.

I for one, would not want to see a company revive a legendary razor. I would not feel the same about a modern Wade & Butcher for example.

Some things found & experienced in life, like shaving with a 150 year old Sheffield, should remain unaltered. JMO

Kind of like the new Indian Motorcycle!

But you know... I think if you get a dedicated CEO with a love for tradition in the case of a razor, it might work. It's not like you got to, or want to "improve on the technology."

I am torn. Maybe I just want access to one lol .



**Edit - speaking of motorcycles and bringing a brand back from dead - Harley did a darn fine job. Even producing a verity of new and old tech bikes.... hmmmm

Originally Posted by rhensley

With the growing trend to use straight razors I wonder why the Sheffield brands haven't come back. I know that there are some custom blade makers out there and dovo and boker are still going why dosn't some one in England take up the torch sort of speak. I for one would probably try one. Just a thought.

Because there is no mass market for them. It takes quite an investment for a factory to get a line up and running, to get people trained, to get marketing etc in place. Straights are never going to be a mass market item, and while they may make some money, this is a huge investment to make for a rather low and very long term payoff.

Dovo and TI are still in business, but razors are not their main line of business, and they didn't have to make huge investments because they never decommissioned their production line or retired the people making them. And even Dovo is having great difficulty to get qualified personell.