Thread: George Wostenholm and Son straight razor

Trying to figure out just how old a razor I picked up a year ago while on vacation. Also trying to determine if it is worth sending off for a look over. I am very very new to all of this and as far as I can tell the blade is ok although probably needs a honing. I'll post some pictures. I tried looking all over the internet and no picture I saw matched up with what I have exactly.

The tang says "George Wostenholm & Son, Sole Manufacturers Of The Orignal And True <pipe razor symbol> razor" Other side of tang has the pipe razor symbol. Blade says "<pipe razor symbol> The Original and only genuine pipe razor Manufactured Solely by Geo. Wostenholm & Son Mark Granted ad 1694" Paid between 25 and 30 bucks for it and also grabbed an ever ready pure badger brush with it.

The odd part of the markings from what I could tell is that it did not have the ixl mark or the sheffield mark. Couldn't figure out if this meant it was a newer blade or older. Any help would be appreciated. Will be going over to the members services to see who I can have hone this, unless someone knows anybody in Chicago that I could go to. I've heard that it really needs to be someone with specific razor honing experience and not just a knife sharpener.

Thanks in advance.

I think this razor from the SRP library is the model you have.
Wostenholm, George & Son "Pipe" 5/8 Etched - Straight Razor Place Library
There are also many examples of the pipe razor to be found in the razors section of the forum. I think the thread is titled The IXL Pipe Shop.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...pipe-shop.html

Originally Posted by chicagosteel

I've heard that it really needs to be someone with specific razor honing experience and not just a knife sharpener.

Thanks in advance.

Yes, you're correct.

Wow thank you! That is exactly what I have. Will take a look at that thread. Pretty pleased that it is probably that old. I assumed it was from the 1900s. Just have to decide who to have it honed by and grab myself a strop and some soap!

It sounds like you are moving in a good direction. Nice score on the razor. You are right on track. Someone has done their research well.