Thread: Matching Set of Lovelies

Originally Posted by mattluthier

Beautiful razors Obie! The scales are definitely ivory.

You could very well be correct. We're still going back and forth on the material. The good part is that the scales are in perfect condition and that the blades close dead center. Good stuff.

There's no doubt about it, those are ivory. Here are some pictures of a Morley I have in ivory that shows a similar pattern.

Yikes!!!

What a score ... Congrats!

Very nice find, Obie. They would seem to be of ivory to me as well. Hope the pivots are tight!
Interesting growth pattern, I think. Perhaps walrus? Pixel will know. Try to get a pic of the scales lengthwise, low to the surface, in sunlight! Sometimes, they overoil the blades which will cause patterns such as this. The ivory soaks up the oil causing darker areas.

Elephant Ivory for sure,but unlike the pics in post #12 cut from the center portion of the tusk.
The patina is wonderfull IMO.
The Ivory needs to be kept Hydrated,mineral oil is the standard,The darker areas can also be caused by many yrs of using tallow soaps.
Wonderfull Blades Obie.

Thank you, gentlemen. My wife and I, too, now conclude that the scales are in ivory. The razors had been sitting in a private collection for years. When I saw them this past weekend, I almost had a heart attack. They show no sign of hone-wear and they do look gorgeous. Yes, I will have them restored professionally — I don't think they require much work — and welcome them into the shave den.

I wonder if they need any restoration at all, Obie. Cleaning and the mineral oil Pixel suggested. Home Maas hand polishing. Hone em up!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I wonder if they need any restoration at all, Obie. Cleaning and the mineral oil Pixel suggested. Home Maas hand polishing. Hone em up!

Yes, I've been considering that, too. I have Maas, mineral oil and hones. A gentle scrub with a soft toothbrush, warm water and dish soap would be a good start. Then dry the razors thoroughly with a hair drier (cool air feature), sanitize them, and then hone. That should do it.