Quote Originally Posted by TMJudd View Post
Okay, I get it. I obviously stepped out of the beginners box a bit too soon. That's okay. I don't mind learning the hard way. Things typically stick with me better after being beaten into me!
The production of most razors is a guessing game. The only clues are design factors and most importantly, maker's marks. The history of the people/familys is most important as things such as 'son', 'sons', location of sale or manufacture, partners, etc. often tell a ton about the timeline of a blade. These things were tools. Most are not commemorative editions(though some plainly are) and were not date-stamped. Even those with famous people's name and monarch stamps can be questionable as to close dating.
What is important is to do reserch, but also opposing research to find the best and most reliable tale of a particular maker and his family. Then apply it to the razor. Moving a razor to a date is futile. Moving a razor to a timeframe in a proper manner is something Neil excels at. He is faster and more thorough in his research than you or I can comprehend.
I always come up with my best, post it first, and let Neil graciously set me straight. Then, I begin to understand I am woefully ill equipped to do same, much less correct him. He is not always right, he corrects himself all the time as things move forward.
I always appreciate the added historical tidbits he finds and shares. Such as the other day when he shared that my razor's maker's grandfather watched the battle of Bunker Hill from a church steeple at the age of 14.
First thing I tell people about that particular razor!
Grumpy, sometimes. Stubborn, yep! Brilliant, always! Neil is a great asset to this forum and indeed, to myself!