Thread: What is it?

Picked this up on ebay. Not sure why, although I thought the stubbiness of the tang was interesting. Any ideas what it might or how old it might be?

I remember that auction! It seemed to me that the razor was transformed into a pocket knife at one point of its long and difficult life. Also I recently ralised that those features that we commonly consider tipical of a very old razor remained for a longer period in use in France (I'd say that they desappeared even 75 years later!!). I'm not saying that this is an almost new french pocket knife !

Jimps were introduced during 1820's, but they could have been added to older razors too. Also the pointed ends of the scales became common during the 30's, and scales could have been modified in that period. I'd say 1800-1820 if Sheffield (doubtful), even 50 or more years later if French or something similar.

Just some thoughts! thanks for sharing those pics!!

Everything OK? ... more pics?

EEEH!!! Success!!!! Good news!

On the shank now I can read: "-> ACIER FIN <-" . It's french, but I think it could have been used outside France as well.
"Acier fondu" (= cast steel), which is different , was used from 1772 to the first half of XIX c.

Congratulations! Another 200 years I guess.

Thanks for the info. I never would have come up with Acier Fin from what's left of the stamping.

The scales, which I think may be horn, are completely hollow in some places - having been eaten away from the inside (insects? - rot?). I'm not yet certain whether I'll just leave it as is or have it cleaned up by one of the gurus on the site.

Brian

Well, I think it will be quite difficult to have it shave-ready: I mean, this would require very heavy "restoration".. difficult to call it restoration in this case. The protruding "peak" of the shoulder/shank should be removed, scales changed, bevel setted maybe ending with a 3/8" blade.. The only original thing would be the quite worn mark on the shank.

Please..

I agree (unfortunately). I guess it will just sit on my desk at work, looking cool and making my coworkers nervous.