Thread: Can anyone provide any history on my razor?

I was just wondering if anyone can help me find out a bit more about my razor. I have absolutely no clue where to start... its my first SR so any help would be appreciated.



thank you in advance


Kyle

If this is the same maker, I hope it helps.
J SMITH & SON
Arundel Street, Sheffield
In business in 1828

From someone else's research on another forum:

"...The Company of Cutlers recorded the apprenticeship of Joseph Smith to his father, Isaac Smith, a razor maker in Stannington. Joseph was granted his Freedom in 1810. He first appeared in a Sheffield directory in 1833, trading from Radford Street. By 1852, the enterprise became "& Son" - presumably with the addition of Joseph's son, John. The enterprise employed ten men and three boys. By the late 1870s, it had moved to Solly Street. The trademark was "Joseph Smith & Sons, Celebrated Razors", above "3415". By 1887, the name and mark had been acquired by Joseph Allen & Sons..."

Credit for above info to "Mike H".

Your razor looks to be about 6/8's size, round point, near wedge. The scales appear to be horn. Approximate date of manufacture would be 1870 (+/- 10 years). It's in very nice condition and should make a fine shaver!

Very nice razor!

The stamp has a pretty clear 'Sheffield, England' mark, which indicates it was made after 1891, marking it as made after Joseph Allen bought up the Smith's marks.

The information quoted above from Mike H. is from Geoffrey Tweedale's magnum reference opus "Tweedale's Directory of Sheffield Cutlery Manufacturers 1740-2013".

You found the razor I left on a park bench in the strand ! Send me a PM so I can arrange for your posting it back to me, Royal Mail is fine .......

Im really glad you guys like it. I was starting to think I had got a bad blade when i won it on Ebay (I was the only person to bid). But now i have to learn all about SR shaving, strops, pastes, hones etc... Im actually hooked to the point im glad my whiskers grow back fast so i can shave again

Originally Posted by DFunk87

Im really glad you guys like it. I was starting to think I had got a bad blade when i won it on Ebay (I was the only person to bid). But now i have to learn all about SR shaving, strops, pastes, hones etc... Im actually hooked to the point im glad my whiskers grow back fast so i can shave again

It is one of the nicest Joseph Smith's I've seen. Rare to come upon a razor of that vintage in that condition. If you're going to use it chances are it will need honing, and I would recommend pro honing. Neil Miller is in the UK and quite accomplished at honing from what I've heard. Also makes some of the finest strops on the planet. I know that first hand.

Check out the beginner's guide here if you already haven't. Oh, and welcome to SRP.

Hi there, can't comment on the razor history or ID but I've bought several razors off this guy. All as described and great value. You'll have to get it honed to be shave ready. I'd strongly advise you to send it to someone who knows what's they are doing, DON'T try and shave with it until you've done that otherwise it'll probably be your first and last shave with a straight razor!
I'll second the Neil Miller recommendation.