Thread: Mythical Vintage Steel

200 years ago they didn’t have all the Technologies that they have today. Microscopes, power hammers, chemical analysis programs, triple burner self regulating propane forges, etc. Yet despite this, they were able to produce this razor. The steel, it is probable, was made from sand and/or other natural materials and then hand forged and perfectly tempered by skill and experience. A blade that was ground perfectly and free of warps and twists that results in a thin even bevel. They were able to produce a steel that is, as good as, if not superior to the steel in more modern razors made with more technology. Not all blades can take the keen edge a Gok20k can produce. This razor did so with ease.

I wondered, what is it about this razor that is so enduring? The closeness and the smoothness of the shave? The mind boggling age of it? Sure, but so much more. The razor feels elegant in the hand, the balance is perfect, the tang is thin, the deep curve at the toe is actually useful in getting to the “hard to reach places”. The wedge grind is perfect, sturdy and substantial. The scales are still straight and true after two centuries. All of this accomplished by only skill and experience. Modern technology may set a person on the right path quicker but experience will travel that path much farther and that only comes with time.

I doubt the person who crafted this razor could have known that 200 years later it would be looked at, talked about and appreciated by people all over the world. I am sure it was one of many created. A tool. A mundane object and not a masterpiece except maybe to the smith at the time of finishing it. I am certain he could not have fathomed the appreciation people would have for his skill so far in the future.

It took a remarkable edge with ease and provided a stunning shave this morning. I pondered these things throughout the day and thought I would post this as a tribute to whoever it was that created this razor and the skill they possessed. After all, who hasn’t at one point pondered these things? It is one of the unique fascinations of this hobby.