Thread: Very Old Smith Razor

Well I just honed it and it took a GREAT edge with a Coticule!!!!

There's just something special about shaving with a 200+ year old razor

I've got absolutely nothing to add but this has been my first chance to check out the forum today and I found this thread. Speaking of thread, is that an indented pattern on the scales that loops around the pins? It kind of looks like a piece of thread or wire was pressed into the leather, or whatever, scales.

Yes, it is impressed in the leather, I wish there was some way to get the paint off of the scales with out destroying them

Rod, I have a thought...scary I know but bear with me anyway.

I would assume that the paint is not water based given the tool that it is on, so it is probably oil based. I am completely guessing that an oil might dissolve it. I guess I would try a fat based "oil," like olive oil first and then maybe try some mineral oil. You could try just a tiny application with a tooth pick to put a small drop on, leave it to soak briefly, and then dab it with a paper towel and see if you get any color removal.

You might want to try the approach with water first though.

I have no experience with anything like this but in my ignorance it seems like a viable approach to try if you really want to remove the paint.

Thanks Ron, I might try a very small area with your idea

I tried a bit of Simichrome on the back side and it seemed to take some off. If it is hard pressed leather (like shoe sole leather) I don't want to get it to wet or softened. I'll proceed with MUCH caution!!

Originally Posted by appa69

Wow. What are those scales made of?

Whale bone?

Surprisingly painted hard pressed leather (like shoe sole leather), it took a bit to figure that out as I didn't know there was such a thing

Originally Posted by oldmandon

Whale bone?

Just to note, that razor is likely 1810s-20s based on the shape (it is arguably not pre-1800). I don't have any of my research materials with me, Zak would have to chime in, but it is possible that someone else bought the rights to use the mark in the 19th century (the mark as seen here appears as early as the 1774 directory). I would guess that the scales are not original.

This was my best guess as well, I'm guessing really old rescale.

Originally Posted by ScienceGuy

Just to note, that razor is likely 1810s-20s based on the shape (it is arguably not pre-1800). I don't have any of my research materials with me, Zak would have to chime in, but it is possible that someone else bought the rights to use the mark in the 19th century (the mark as seen here appears as early as the 1774 directory). I would guess that the scales are not original.

As mentioned from ScienceGuy, that razor is more then likely not pre 1800. That said i dont even think the maker is George Smith but actually his son Thomas who after his father passing used the same trademark.

Furthermore i dont see any markings on top of the spine and the few Geo Smith with the + Smith ive seen were marked as so. Its also has Warranted and jimps. Still a wonderful 200 years old razor.