appreciation for old Sheffeild steel

I can't say how old the razor that I ebayed is, but it's old.
I was had set it aside for a long while, not sure the thing would even hone up well enough, due to lots of hone wear.
The edge is, well, ugly. Uneven and inconsistent edge on it.
The Wood scales are labelled B. McMahon, tang has "Superior Cutlery Sheffield"
All very worn.
http://www.pocketpiglets.com/private/oldrazor.jpg
(looks uglier than the pic lets on, but that's not a reflection illusion, that IS hone wear)

Well I took some time a couple nights back and with the right stroke I found the 'zone' and got the edge sharp on the Norton 4k, then did exactly 15 passes on the 8.
Right off the 8k I have an exceptional shave. So smooth and comfortable, I thought it wasn't shaving me at first, until I saw my cheek. Very impressive for this old thing to get me just about bbs on the first STROKE. I made it a point to go through yesterday without shaving just to enjoy it later on today after work's over.
I had a similar experience with my TI Super Gnome. Not that it felt sharper per se, but it was so smooth I questioned whether or not it was cutting until I saw the result.
I think this old thing beats it though, and I think it's right up there with my favorite shavers.
Did they just make steel better a hundred years bacK, or what?

It may be just the way they were made,all my old sheffield blades shave very well & apart from the odd wedge they have all honed up easily to a fine good shaving edge.
Im just sad that all that craftmenship & skills are now a thing of the past here in the UK.Paul

I have had similar experiences, one of my favorites is a Frederick Reynolds that I picked up at an antique store for like $12. It was stained, pitted, rusty, but the scales weren't terrible. I got the rust off, but left the staining and pitting to see if it was worth going any further by honing it up. Turns out to be one of my top five razors, and I can't bring myself to take it out of rotation to sand out the pits. Seems like the unsightly surface condition tells a story of a past life, while the ultra fine, razor sharp edge just keeps on doing what it's been doing for a hundred plus years.

I agree. Sheffield steel is my favourite. I really do think it has a softer, smoother feel to it. Must've been something in the water...:shrug:

James.