Thread: Masonic SR

I just acquired this SR. I would like some help in different fields. First off the history of the blade. Does anyone know how old it might be? Second, the size of the razor. Third, I want to restore it. I’m looking online and wanted to see if the community can recommend someone. I wanted to get it to a mirror polish if it’s possible. I would like to keep the etching as much possible as well while getting it to a mirror shine. If heard that might not be possible due to process and that some of the etching will be affected. I’m unsure about that. Pics are as follows. Thanks for the help and if you think I should post this in a different sub for more exposure please let me know.

If any other pics are needed for a better assessment please let me know how you would like me to take them. Thanks again!

A picture of the whole razor, including the tail, would help for dating.

What size information are you looking for beyond your ability to physically measure the razor.

I wouldn't do more that metal polish in paper towel or similar. That razor would almost certainly not have had a mirror polish from the factory.

Bottom of this page: STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Wade & Butcher, Sheffield.
has a restored masonic wade and butcher on it, plus information on the company.

Really need a picture of the whole razor to get a rough estimate of the date of manufacture.

As for size, you can measure the blade width with a ruler. My guess would be 6/8 or 7/8

Nice razor. I like the deep etch

Here are additional pictures.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

A picture of the whole razor, including the tail, would help for dating.

What size information are you looking for beyond your ability to physically measure the razor.

I wouldn't do more that metal polish in paper towel or similar. That razor would almost certainly not have had a mirror polish from the factory.

I’d lie to hear your opinion or anyone else’s on what finish should be applied. I’d like it as factory as possible, but also the idea of a mirror finish is very intriguing to me. Thanks for your input!

Also don’t know why duplicate pictures were added.

Like I said, try metal polish and a paper towel.

To get the mirror polish you desire sanding then polishing or buffing wheels is what would be required. Your etch would be affected to one degree or another. The Masonic razors bring good money because of the etch content. To destroy the etch on this blade would greatly devalue the razor.
The advice given by holli4pirating is great advice, this blade would not have been mirrored when new. Metal polish and a paper towel or microfiber towel. Some 0000 steel wool and wd-40 before wouldn't do any damage.
I'd guess your razor to be 1850s to 1880s.

When it comes to etching, the only recommendation I have is the "tumbler" method. I am talking about a vibratory tumbler used for cleaning brass casings for firearms. I would start with walnut media loaded with Flitz for a day or two and then corn media again loaded with Flitz. This way preserves the etching and cleans up blades quite nicely. As mentioned above, this razor never had a mirror polish. Keep it away from buffers as they will most definitely effect the etching.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...mentation.html

In my opinion... Give it a good cleaning with some metal polish like said before, hone it, shave with it..

The only thing it has going for it, is the etch. The rest of the razor has been honed away.