Thread: 'The Hollingsworth'

My first post here so hello!

I have an old straight razor with the name as mentioned in the title engraved or etched onto the blade.
On the tang it says W m HOLLINGSWORTH & SONS
NEWCASTLE ON TYNE.

The scales look very much like fake ivory.

Ive had a search on google and cant find anything about this razor I wondered if anyone here might know anything about it?

Im new to straight razors but am thinking of maybe collecting some British made ones as a hobby. Using them scares teh crap out of me but I keep trying

Thanks

Welcome to the forum. I'd be willing to bet if there is no makers stamp that the razor was made in Sheffield for Wm Hollingsworth & Sons likely a cutler or such in Newcastle at some point in time. A good clear photo of both sides of the razor open would be helpful to members with more knowledge than I have. It can be hard to tell the difference between ivory or bone so a photo helps there too.

Yes, using a straight razor still scares the crap out of me too but not as much as in the beginning.

Bob

I agree with Bob, likely pictures will help.
I have issues with using a straight razor, it is the DE safety razors that scare the pants off of me.

Hopefully you can see these

Welcome to SRP!

That's a nice looking razor from the late 1800s, and yes those do appear to be ivory scales.

I've never heard of Hollingsworth, but someone will probably be along that knows about it.
I do agree with Bob that it was probably made in Sheffield and labelled for a cutler or barber.

It had rather a large nick in the blade which you can still see a bit of left. I new to honing so I thought I would leave it at this stage and practice my skills (or lack of) on a cheap new razor.