Thread: help to identification antique razor blade

Originally Posted by dimab

Based on Renzo Jardella's book (see p.8 for reference), I'd say this razor is of MUCH earlier period - 11-12th century.
This is a terrific find - congrats!

Fascinating! I wasn't aware that folding razors were made so long ago. That book must be a very interesting read.

Here is an extraction of a picture showing typical medical instruments in the early 17th century. Found in the book "The surgeons mate" from John Woodal - 1617.



The handle here is shown as a simple wood handle, made from one piece of wood with a closed end and a cut notch. The razor blade hold with a Pivot pin, maybe simply a nail hammered flat and rounded at both edges. Those handles were common as a cheap and easy possibility also for 18th century razors until beginning 19th century.

Here are some examples of 18th and 19th century razors with simple wood handles:



So maybe an option for you preparing a new-old handle.
Of course for the more exclusive razors, bone and later horn was also common for the scales.

Regards Peter

Originally Posted by hatzicho

Here is an extraction of a picture showing typical medical instruments in the early 17th century. Found in the book "The surgeons mate" from John Woodal - 1617.



The handle here is shown as a simple wood handle, made from one piece of wood with a closed end and a cut notch. The razor blade hold with a Pivot pin, maybe simply a nail hammered flat and rounded at both edges. Those handles were common as a cheap and easy possibility also for 18th century razors until beginning 19th century.

Here are some examples of 18th and 19th century razors with simple wood handles:



So maybe an option for you preparing a new-old handle.
Of course for the more exclusive razors, bone and later horn was also common for the scales.

Regards Peter

thank you! I'm planning on bronze and bone only the wood is boring :-}

Originally Posted by CrescentCityRazors

Fascinating! I wasn't aware that folding razors were made so long ago. That book must be a very interesting read.

Indeed: his book is based on his personal collection - which is entirely on another (museum+) level!

Originally Posted by oleg

thank you! I'm planning on bronze and bone only the wood is boring :-}

If you want to be period-accurate, and not use wood, I'd say bone (bovine) is the right choice.

Originally Posted by dimab

If you want to be period-accurate, and not use wood, I'd say bone (bovine) is the right choice.

I decided exactly like this
bone with copper washers

This thread blows my mind. It is amazing that a razor could be 1000 years old and have survived in any form let alone a form that can be clad in period appropriate scales.

Oleg, can we see photos of some of your other razors?

Originally Posted by dimab

If you want to be period-accurate, and not use wood, I'd say bone (bovine) is the right choice.

Originally Posted by oleg

I decided exactly like this
bone with copper washers

And the pins? Silver or brass? As well, what kind of washers? Bullseye? Flat? So many choices!

Originally Posted by DZEC

This thread blows my mind. It is amazing that a razor could be 1000 years old and have survived in any form let alone a form that can be clad in period appropriate scales.

Oleg, can we see photos of some of your other razors?

I don't collect razors
but I collect other things and I really like to made and restore something
in the photo there are both my products and restoration and reconstruction

Nice! Pre WWII, tin/metal toys are very collectible here in the states. Many were recycled during WWII.
HarryWally would have liked the goggles.