Niel,
What were the hardening and tempering methods? I have some older ±1800 razors that seem? to be "pack case hardened." A hard skin and a soft inner core. The edge is fine but is totally soft at the tip when honed That is the curve of the tip from long time of honing.
Name:  Tip wear.JPG
Views: 420
Size:  177.1 KB
~Richard
Pack Case hardening here are some comments about the process and some ?:
Pack Carburizing