Thread: Uncommon geometry of the blade

I did indeed have a Marshes & Shepard that I modified (one of my very first forrays...) into The Marshian.

I had also thought that shape to be a result of 150 years worth of strange honing (which is why I deemed the balde to be of little practical value, and thus was the frist to visit my Frankenstienian dremel laboratory...)

However, I too have now seen 2-3 other Marshes and Shappards with the same thumbnotch, and the same tapered blade shape.

Thanks so much for posting that info, as it has laid that quandry to rest once and for all. I owe Bill Ellis an apology!

I have since sold The Marshian, but it was a damn fine shaver! Really, super-smooth feel to that steel.

Originally Posted by clavichord

I bought this Marshes&Shepherd (1818-1850) some weeks ago, with the conviction that the blade was in its original state, without hone wear. Note that the spine has no hone wear at all. I bid on this: the blade has an uncommon but original geometry.
Yesterday I found one proof that I wasn't wrong: Lummus published in his first article (1922) a blade by the same manufacturer with the same shape!

I just picked up what looks like a 7/8ths marshes&shepherd with a barbers notch that says 'cutlers to his majesty' on the blade. Where can I find some history on these blades?

Marshes & Shepherd - Straight Razor Place Wiki
Marsh Brothers & Co - Straight Razor Place Wiki

That does look odd, but I took a look at my M&S tonight and while it's not that pronounced, it does have a slight "slant" to the blade in that general shape...

Originally Posted by clavichord

Well, blades wider at the toe are very common and in those cases the angle spine/bevel could be the same of this Marshes (just with a different sign). So this shape is not a revolution in the honing technique. I think it was just a different fashion or a new idea to sell new razors or a distinguishing mark introduced by a manufacturer and then transformed in fashion for just a short period. Or different combination of those ideas.

EDIT: Also, blades wider at the toe often are thicker at the corresponding part of the spine. Same as stated here by Lummus.

Clavichord you said that blades wider at the toe are very common, but as yet I have only seen/had one:-

Karl Bocker No.63 11/16 toe and 9/16 heel

http://img289.imagevenue.com/gallery...ockerNo.63.php

Is this what you are refering to?

Originally Posted by bonitomio

Clavichord you said ...

You guys should note that this thread was from 5/2009.

Originally Posted by Joed

You guys should note that this thread was from 5/2009.

Yep I missed that

Originally Posted by clavichord

Lummus.

Did it arrive yet?