Thread: Sheffield Razor suggestion

I've been considering a vintage Sheffield razor and have been checking out different Bengalls, Wostenholms and Thomas Turner and Co. ..... is there a "don't miss" in that group? Are they in the same league or are they of different grades? I want something representative of the era but don't want to set my sights on acquiring one of each unless I just have to
Thanks

You may want to narrow it by grind first. There were a lot of makers for a lot of years making different grinds in different eras. Just to say a sheffield is still incredibly broad. There are many many great shavers from there.

Bengalls are the Dubl Duck of the British empire. Super consistency from blade to blade IMHO.

Thanks guys, my English razors consist of a 6/8 Kropp full hollow, a W & B - "B" special full hollow and a 13/16 Joseph Rodgers wedge. In general I am preferring the larger blades and the wedge to the other 5/8 full hollow razors I own. Im just wanting to round out a collection with something everyone needs to try without feeling like I need to own one of everything ever made!

I love my Cadman Bengalls - have a few and have sold a few and they are all excellent shavers!

Wade & Butcher make stunning blades - both to look at and to shave with, wouldn't hesitate to pick up one. Wostenholms also. Can't go too wrong really, as long as it's in reasonable condition.

All but one W&B that I've bought have been outstanding shavers. Same goes for the Wostenholms i've owned. I have a Bengall on the way so I'll have an opinion on that one soon (not soon enough though!!) One that I've been interested to try but never seem to win the auction is a Fenney Tally Ho.

For me, I generally prefer sheffields over nearly any other 'region'. I have just had good luck with them as a whole. I don't know if there is a 'can't miss' maker so I'll keep trying them all!

Chris

I honestly can say that every Sheffield steel blade I have honed, even the off brands, has been a great shaver.