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Hello all! Does anyone have any info on how old this razor is? It has laser etched "Diamond Steel Razor, Tempered by Patent Process". The tang has "Manufactured by Frederick Reynolds Sheffield" stamped into it. A quick google search only finds one result of the razor on an auction site, but no date.
Thanks for your help in advance!
I don’t think that frosted etch is laser engraved. More likely and acid wash of sorts. If the blade does not bear the England and only the Sheffield then it is most likely made before 1890.
STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Frederick Reynolds, Sheffield.
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I do like those razors. :)
Looks like 1850s to 1870s but definitely before 1891. My guess is earlier in that period I mentioned. Oh, and that is an acid etching. OSHA would have blown a gasket if they saw how they did it. They didn't have lasers in the 1850s
Oh yeah. DO NOT SAND THAT ETCHING. Even light sanding will irreversibly damage it. Sand on the other side and on the tang if you must but only use a SE blade to LIGHTLY scrape any active rust and then use a metal polish to clean over the etch. Ask me how I know this and I'll tell you a sad tale fit for tear salted beer and country music
I think with this razor (and the scales as well) we're talking conservation, not restoration
The rust on the face and bevel would cause some big changes to the blade before it was ready for the stones. I'd just clean it up and put it away.
Im prepared to take your word for it, but why do you think its from this time period? I'll definitely take your advice on the polishing as opposed to sanding! I would like to remove the rust if possible, but I dont mind if the razor shows some character!Quote:
Originally Posted by PaulFLUS
Are you saying this because you think the scales and etching are too delicate?Quote:
Originally Posted by Maladroit
I have the same one. The etching is barely noticeable. I could only read the word "patent". Thanks to your photos, I know more. :)Attachment 316985
Picturing water wheel powered lasers, in a Frankenstein style laboratory, as they accidentally stumble upon "Electro Hardened Steel"
Love the image. Hey magpie you had someone trying to PM you that said your inbox was full. :shrug: They left a post.
I say 1850s to 1870s because the style indicates it. It could be slightly older or slightly newer except for the history of the company which would indicate that period is probably not much if any earlier. Check the link Rezdog posted to strazors.com. Also the style makes it unlikely it would be much if any past 1870. There are many sources for history and you should treat them like witness testimony: take the bulk of evidence and the truth is somewhere near the middle but here is one source
https://www.theinvisibleedge.co.uk/c...traight-razors
Here is one I know for certain to be from between 1854 & 1856 from the etching
Attachment 316987
You can see the similarities as spelled out in the link I provided. Yours is somewhere near in age.
Edit: Probably closer to 1860s as a guess
