Thread: Info needed on W. Greaves razor.

I've been into DE shaving for quite a while. I haven't tried a straight yet, but I've picked up a few in the last few months. I'm hoping someone can help me fill in a few blanks. 1. Am I correct in assuming this razor was made prior to 1816 due to the stamp not including "& Sons". 2. Are the pins gold? I'd think if they were brass, they would be tarnished. If polished, it would be obvious on the scales around the pins. And 3. Should I have it restored, or leave it alone? Thanks for your help!

Pretty sure the pins and washers are brass.

I say its safe to presume its 1816 or prior. to me the style of tang and stamp say smack dab around the period of 1805-1815 plus or minus. its hard to say from the pics but the pins may be replacements, most certainly brass. the last pic almost looks like the pin was filed? anywho, the pins can be sanded, filed or polished without touching the scales. its easy to do. it might be more likely that those are new brass pins and collars though. again, hard to say from thr pics that's my take on first glance, Im sure theres more than one person here with better eyes and insight

Agree with Silverloaf, pins are brass, scales are horn, nice looking blade, definately restorable.

and as for should you restore or not, unless theres some sentiment on your part as to why you shouldn't then by all means do! I hate to see blades going to rust and disservice for the sake of the antique roadshow mentality. you will in fact increase the value in any wet shavers eyes and in terms more so than monetary value- you will be saving another razor from the ravages of time and neglect. you don't have to go to great lengths, just remove any active rust and get the few little chips honed out. ive got a couple greaves & sons im going to be working on very soon, they are a treat to see brought back to serviceable condition, I assure you

If it was mine I would take a metal polish such as Flitz or what have you, q-tip and paper towel and give the blade a rub. Maybe neatsfoot on the scales and call it restored. It took almost 200 years for it to get to where it is. Polishing it up like a new dime in a goat's ass, putting on some shiny scales, would be a shame IMHO. YMMV. I have quite a few like your Greaves, speaking of condition, patina, bug bites and all. They shave great and if they could talk, what a story they could tell.

[QUOTE=JimmyHAD;1337275]like a new dime in a goat's assQUOTE]

that's what all straights look like compared to my face! hint, the straight is the new dime, and my face........

never met a Greaves i didnt like !! by far my favorite razors !! enjoy that thing !!

Straight Razor Place - A brief history of William Greaves & Sons
Greaveses have souls!

Treated poorly, Greaves will put a twist in your knickers.