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I bought this several years ago and occasionally shave with it. It is a fine razor; it and my bengall are my favorites.
How old is it? What is its value? Are they rare?
I have seen a few other people post about them recently.
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Well since it has only Sheffield on the tang and not Sheffield, England that puts it prior to 1891 I can not narrow it down any closer than that really. Far as value it is subjective really and due to forum rules we can not estimate or give out values. Search ebay find ended auctions that match your razor and see what they are going for.
It looks like a decent size razor close to an inch im guessing. Is it rare? Well they don't make them any more :D Hope this helps, good looking Razor by the way.
Thanks and I didn't know that rule. I'll make sure to not ask for estimates in the future.
I don't know if its the shape, or the weight, or what. But it gives a really comfortable shave. I didn't know its age...it's crazy to think I'm shaving with something that is that old!
Really makes me think about modern manufacturing...does anyone think people will be using GD razors in 130 years? Maybe Dovo.
No worries on the value deal :D My guess is it is the weight that you are noticing. Also the grind, it is not a full hollow so it has heft to it. I have a W&B For Barbers Use its a hollow ground but still a lot of weight to it and it just wipes stubble away with no effort. I always think to myself with these old blades, what was the first person whom used this well over 100 yrs ago thinking that day, was he getting ready for work? Pretty neat I think :D I can not see GD being here that long, dovo maybe. I actually like my vintage blades better than my Dovo, I have not shaved with my Dovo for quite some time now.
Thanks for sharing you blade has tons of character and patina. Looks great : )
I've often pondered the same thing. It does make you wonder. I've got a hardware store straight that I can only imagine was handed out as an advertising gimmick. I can't imagine the hardware store as a go-to for grooming apparel.Quote:
Originally Posted by apamburn
But I'm still shaving with it over 50 years later, and the doors of the hardware store closed about 25 years before I was born. I've got a couple of Germania Cutlery Works razors, that company was closed during WWII when the factory was commandeered by the Nazis. I imagine the men that made those blades had much larger things to worry about than if they would last 80 to 90 years or who would be using them.
The ones that will last will be the ones that are taken care of, and most widely distributed. It wouldn't surprise me in the least if someone somewhere was using a Gold Dollar in 130 years. What would surprise me would be if I lived long enough to know one way or the other.
I think hardware stores may have been a little different back then. The Marshall Well hardware chain originating in Duluth MN sold razors and strops. I'd be they were not the only ones to do so.Quote:
Originally Posted by Marshal
Bob
I have a "Palace Special", made by Henckels. Palace Hardware was in San Fran. The last record I saw of it was 1913.Quote:
Originally Posted by BobH
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Yeah this is a very interesting thread. As I to have often wondered what stories some of my razors could tell.
I mean I have a razor from aprox 1850, just think of the changes in the world since it was made...........Who used it? Where was it used? Who brought it to our country...so many things to think about
I hope my two young boys will take up Straight Razor shaving when they get old enough to shave. Then I know for at least another 60-70 years the art will live on. With out hope there isn't much right?
I have thought along this line many times also. If these older razors were used everyday they would be rusted/long wore out by now.
Are the surviving ones the ones that were thrown in the back of a junk drawer or a box because I am not going to use that POS?
I do prefer the more romantic way of thinking about their history though.
That could be very true, but at the opposite end of the spectrum, maybe it was more of a special occasion razor.
And it was a treasure and then an heirloom to be cherished :tu
I'm particularly envious of those out there that have a SR whose story they know and that has actual meaning to them: an actual family heirloom with which they can shave.
My great grandfather shaved with a straight; when he passed I was only 8 or so and I don't know what ever happened to his razors.
I place great value on family trinkets of this sort; they bring meaning to the mundane. If you have one you should be grateful.
I guess I stand corrected. Perhaps Hardware Stores back then carried some slightly different inventory than what I think of when I make a trip to Lowes or Home Depot.Quote:
Originally Posted by BobH
Yes, hardware stores were still in the General Store category. So they were more like a Grocery, pharmacy and Lowes all in oneQuote:
Originally Posted by Marshal
Aren't razors and strops tools. :DQuote:
Originally Posted by Dieseld
I still can think of many hardware stores that sell many things including groceries. Or are they grocery stores that sell hardware?
One thing I miss about little towns.
Yes they are to some of us, other people they are the things of nightmares and horror movies.
We used to have a store like that in our small town, then the big box stores opened up in near by areas................there went the mom and pop stores. They had everything you really needed, along with fresh coffee and bench inside to sit on, or stand next to and listen to the old folks talk.
Conversations like this are the reason I love coming to SRP! :D
There is a hardware store that is a lot like you all speak of in Jasper Indiana. Haven't been there for a while or know any details on it but it is the real deal. I remember they had some blacksmith tools & things like that.
Slawman
I couldn't agree more! I love old small towns, antiques, history and my vintage straights. While all my straights are great shavers, one of my favorites is an all original John barber circa 1820 in excellent condition. Although it's not my oldest or most expensive straight for some reason it feels better in the hand than any of the rest. I try to stick to a rotation, but every time I'm ready to shave it's difficult not to pick it up.Quote:
Originally Posted by lewbleu
I believe the date was 1881 when the country of origin had to be on the product.
Slawman
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...5be0b57ad3.jpg
Just found this, its more of a guideline but may help. Hard to read too small small print.
Ok just found out not readable at all, 1891 is what this lists. Ill try and fix the picture
I stand corrected! Thank you.Quote:
Originally Posted by ejmolitor37
Slawman
