Thread: Can someone tell me what this Razor is?

My Grandfather was a barber in WWII and died a while back, and I was given his razors.. one of which I sent to Bill Ellis to evaluate and fix up.. It's a Henry Sears & Son 1865. The blade looks big, dark, and heavy.. There were no scales on it - which Bill said he could replace after receiving the package and inspecting.. but it would be a few weeks as he's backed - up with work.. but I was wondering if ya'll knew off the tops of your heads what type of blade that could be, if it was something I could shave with, valuable at all, carbon, or stainless (didn't have stainless then did they?).. or what type of blade that 1865 Henry Sears is?

Also.. while I'm at it .. my Uncle gave me Grandpa's Franz Swaty stone in this really old tattered box - also probably from WWII.. but the stones small almost palm sized.. with a faded chrome sort of plate along the one edge.. says Austria on the stone part.. I tried to wet it a little, because my Uncle said Grandpa used to spit on it and sharpen his razors 50 years ago.. but it seems like the water won't absorb into it at all.. could this be oil? or dry? If anyones familiar with either that stone or razor, please let me know

Thanks!
Jeff

P.S. I have two pictures, 1 of each, but have no idea how to insert an image in here without hosting it somewhere first I guess?

I'm sure the razor is carbon steel.

Is that blade "really" from 1865? I am finding that hard to believe, though the box is tattered and says the same thing (from the parts still legible).

Also - if Ellis fixes it - is that a useable razor or should I store it for me to apss down to the kids when I kick the bucket?

thanks!
Jeff

It could be from 1865, it might also be that Sears & Son was established in 1865.

I bet Bill will check if it's usable (I'm guessing he'll hone it after fixing it up and rescaling it), and can tell you if it's a good shaver. If it was me, I'd use it.

It could also be that the patent for the razor was from 1865 or maybe it just a model number. Its hard to tell with most razors.

That sounds very cool...and a family heirloom to boot! I'd shave with it....blades, like silver, are meant to be used....

Do a search here on SRP and you'll probably find more than you ever wanted to know about the barber hone.



Greg