Thread: Cheaply made razor? - Thomas Elling & Co

Hi All

I recently acquired this razor, I like the square point and shape of the blade.
The photos that I saw when I bought it didn't quite show all the detail, now I'm wondering, was this a cheaply made razor or what?
The blade seems in good shape and there is no rust on it and no hone wear, but what I am concerned about is the scratches on the blade (could this be from factory grinding?) and the scales (I don't know what they're made of but they're not very attractive).

Can anyone shed some light on this, what could these scratches be from, and what are the scales made of? (Could they be original?)



I plan to sand and buff the blade to remove the scratches, and then make new scales out of something a bit nicer!

Nice near wedge and looks to be all original. Those might be horn scales and if they are a good soaking in Neats Foot Oil followed by a good buffing might make a big difference.

Bob

Most of the marks look to be original grind marks though I can see where someone used some fine grit to clean up the blade on your third picture. To be honest, the blade looks great and those scales may clean up great and not require replacement. IMO a little age can add to the look.

Thanks Bob

The scales seem to be some sort of synthetic material that is moulded, they are stamped "WAD 2"

I'll try sand and buff them a bit and see what happens?

The first thing I would do is hone and shave

Originally Posted by ddunc

Thanks Bob
The scales seem to be some sort of synthetic material that is moulded, they are stamped "WAD 2"
I'll try sand and buff them a bit and see what happens?

I have worked with similar scales and they were hot molded leather.See what they do with a bit of neatsfoot oil if you have any or saddle soap. Before doing any abrasive techniques.
You made a nice catch!

~Richard

Originally Posted by ddunc

Thanks Bob

The scales seem to be some sort of synthetic material that is moulded, they are stamped "WAD 2"

I'll try sand and buff them a bit and see what happens?

They could be pressed horn, leather or even paper in some cases. I was thinking horn as it looks like it has some bug bites. OTH I am not an expert on those things.

I hope Neil Miller sees this thread as I am sure he could provide some answers. You could PM him for info I suppose.

Bob

Fascinating! You learn something new every day, I spoke to the guy I bought it from, he says he thinks it's pressed leather. Ok let me try be gentle first before I do anything drastic

So how far off am I from my initial feeling that this was a "budget" razor in its day? It doesn't seem to be very well finished off

Originally Posted by ddunc

So how far off am I from my initial feeling that this was a "budget" razor in its day? It doesn't seem to be very well finished off

Going back to what MattCB said, the evenly spaced vertical lines on the blade more than likely are grinding marks and a lot of razors were finished like that. The scales would seem normal for a razor of that period. There were different finishes applied to the blade that would require more work and higher end scales like those of ivory. That is not to mention engravings and fancy spine work too. So if by budget you mean a good no frills razors, I think you are right. That does not mean it is not a well made razor though. They just did not embellish the heck out of it.

Personally, I love vintage razors and had I found that one would attempt to keep it all original condition. Gently restore it, hone it and enjoy it for what it is. That is just me though.

Bob