Thread: Help identifying straight razor (with pictures)

I know it obviously appears to be from a maker named L. Bishop... this is the extent of my knowledge. How old is it? Is it in the original box? What should be done to preserve it? Any advice on keeping it as a collectible? Is it rare, or common? (Pics Below)

I greatly appreciate anyone that helps answer these questions.

Thanks a lot,
Chris.

There are others a lot more knowledgeable than me here, but definitely worth restoring. Stub tail, so very old. Early to mid 1800s?

just guessing at the age for the sake of a guess, 1810-1835. I am just basing that on the basic shape of the razor. Someone will be along that will be skilled in finding information and locations of makers and such like. They will have a real answer, I just like guessing.

Thank you for the information so far, guys! I had no idea it could possibly be that old!!

Welcome to SRP,
I believed the maker of your razor was Luke Bishop from Sheffield England. He is listed in many references as a razor manufacturer around the 1820's.


That said you should oil that blade to keep the rust away.

Originally Posted by Martin103

Welcome to SRP,
I believed the maker of your razor was Luke Bishop from Sheffield England. He is listed in many references as a razor manufacturer around the 1820's.


That said you should oil that blade to keep the rust away.

Thank you, Martin! So saying it was from the 1820's would be an accurate statement? I assume the box is dated the same.. it sure looks very old. I have no intention of reselling as it's just an extremely cool piece to me, but I was curious what something like this is worth in this condition?

Also, would you recommend having it professionally sharpened? Or might that ruin the blade? Last question (for now ha ha), what kind of oil would be the best choice for preservation? I assume the blade is steel?

Thanks for your help, Martin, and everyone!

Chris

If it is an heirloom pice you should get it professionally restored. If you just want to shave with it then a good clean up and a honing will be a good start. Most any oil is better than none. I use an oil called Tuff Glide, there are many that use Balistisol, a any good gun oil will do the trick, mineral oil will do in a pinch. If you are looking at saving it conservators wax is a good choice also.

Originally Posted by RezDog

If it is an heirloom pice you should get it professionally restored. If you just want to shave with it then a good clean up and a honing will be a good start. Most any oil is better than none. I use an oil called Tuff Glide, there are many that use Balistisol, a any good gun oil will do the trick, mineral oil will do in a pinch. If you are looking at saving it conservators wax is a good choice also.

I would be keeping it as a collector's piece. I actually don't shave, oddly enough haha. I assume thats what you mean by heirloom piece. Are there any reputable companies or indivuals that do restorations on razors like this?

http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=4
Here is were our members that restore advertise

Originally Posted by RezDog

http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=4
Here is were our members that restore advertise

Hi, I briefly scanned through these links, and they looked to mostly focus on the blade of the straight razor. Is it even possible to "fix" the chip in the handle/case of the blade?

Thanks