Thread: H & J. W. King razor

Yesterday I found a really nice meat chopper 7/8 with barber's notch. (sorry, I don't have a camera to post pics)

The tang reads as follows:

H & J. W. King
51 Beekman Street
New York

Does anybody know anything about these razors?

Originally Posted by iron maiden

Yesterday I found a really nice meat chopper 7/8 with barber's notch. (sorry, I don't have a camera to post pics)

The tang reads as follows:

H & J. W. King
51 Beekman Street
New York

Does anybody know anything about these razors?

According to Goins Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings:

"H. & J.W. King c. 1857-1876 Hezekiah King is listed in the New York City Directory beginning in 1857 at 86 John Street, as a "Importer of Hardware & Cutlery" In 1865, the listing was H. & J.W. King, "importers of English hardware, cutlery, and guns" at 51 Beekman Street".

I sold a nice one of these recently (sorry; I don't remember who bought it), and it had a very "Sheffield" style. It honed up very well, and shaved well, also. Seemed comparable to a Wade & Butcher or Wostenholm, but is much rarer. In fact, when I purchased it off ebay in the long ago past, I had a guy offer me 50% more than I paid for it 5 minutes after the auction ended. Seem to be good razors, and apparently quite collectible. Sorry I couldn't tell you more.

Thank you for the information Joe. It looks very much like one of the W&B meat choppers which seem to be quite popular around here. The scales appear to be horn...which, BTW, have seen their better days.

I measured it, and it looks to be around a 7/8 or larger. It has the barber's notch and the blade itself appears to be basically a wedge. Laying flat, there is a bit of a concave slope to the blade, but only slightly. It is quite heavy, and I was thinking about having a new set of scales put on it. I wonder if having it reground would hurt the value?

Originally Posted by iron maiden

I wonder if having it reground would hurt the value?

IMO, yes, but it will probably make it a better shaver.

Just an update to this old razor....I sent it off to Gary (Traveller) to have the blade polished and a new set of scales installed. The post is over in the Gallery. I didn't have it reground as it didn't need it, and I actually prefer wedges with my heavy beard. Here is the link.http://straightrazorpalace.com/galle...tml#post274434

I just purchased an 8/8 from SRP classifieds. CAN'T WAIT TO GET IT!! Looks like a nice one.

lol, and I come back to forums after a long hiatus and see this post. I was the one that bought the H & J. W. King from Joe. Still one of my favorite razors!

Originally Posted by D2T

lol, and I come back to forums after a long hiatus and see this post. I was the one that bought the H & J. W. King from Joe. Still one of my favorite razors!

Welcome back!

Now THIS is a razor!! 8/8. Near wedge. More pics will be posted in Show & Tell.
Thanks rodb.