Thread: Frederick Reynold's "Diamond Steel Razor" age?

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.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Looks like 1850s to 1870s but definitely before 1891. My guess is earlier in that period I mentioned.

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!

Originally Posted by Maladroit

I think with this razor (and the scales as well) we're talking conservation, not restoration

Are you saying this because you think the scales and etching are too delicate?

I have the same one. The etching is barely noticeable. I could only read the word "patent". Thanks to your photos, I know more.

Picturing water wheel powered lasers, in a Frankenstein style laboratory, as they accidentally stumble upon "Electro Hardened Steel"