Thread: pre 1700's straight razor? help please.

Hello. I have been collecting, restoring and using classic old school Steel in my shop for a while now. This past weekend, I came across this beautiful razor that I could use some help identifying.
It appears to be hand forged and not stamped out. It has German Steel stamped into the top am a makers mark / initials stamped into the tang. I cannot find anything on the marks in the internet searches or older books. I believe it may be early 1700 due to the tail being so small and hand forged. I have attached pictures. Any information would help. Thank you.

Welcome to SRP. Yeah, that is late 1700s. Dunno about the maker but someone may be along who does.

You will have better luck finding the information you want if you post a close up of the makers mark oriented in the direction you think they go.

Thanks Jimmy.

Thank you ww2.

That mark belongs to Birks, William and John of Norfolk Street. The mark is shown below, on the right:



I have a few:









William Birks and son have the pipe mark in the 1774 Sketchley directory, but the mark you have only later in the 1787 Gales & Martin directory, so your razor (as are mine) are likely late 1700s.

Science guy. Thank you very much. You have answered a question that has been eating away at me for the last couple of days. That's why I post on hear. Thanks again.