Thread: Sheffield steel superiority

Originally Posted by AKmik

Like this Phrank? hahaa

I am one of those "have to know" types, and this question needs an answer. I have requested a quote from a full service metallurgical laboratory, and will supply a sacrificial old Sheffield blade for testing if the price is not too crazy. I will update once I hear back if it is a possibility or not. Seems simple enough.

I want to know what is in that pie.

Well, there's simply no arguing with the example you just posted, but that pretty much sums it up....

The level of purity or impurity of the ore, what is was melted down in and what that imparted to the steel, and all the other aspects to that time are what is unique IMO.

I have several what turned out to be "cast" steel razors, vintage razors for sure, but even the feel of that steel is much different, and in my opinion inferior.

Here are two that were "cast", or cast steel (if my terminology is correct), for their size, I'd say they weigh half of what a typical 8/8+ Sheffield weighs. The steel feels completely different, but they were relatively easy to hone, and surprisingly gave an excellent shave...for the longest time I thought they made of tin, certainly feels like shaving with something made from a soda can....

First a Krone 98 Celebrated:



And this undoubtedly counterfeit of a J.Barber, this I.Barber "Fouled Anchor" razor: