Thread: Need info on Edward Barnes & sons Razor (pics)

I just came into possesion as a gift an Edward Barnes & Sons Sheffield ( i assume the last is where it was made?) straight razor and was just looking for some info, like what the handles made of, (dark brownalmost black) and about what years it may be. It has some discolouration that looks like moss that wont come off (after numerous polishes and even a wire wheel and lubricant.) also if there would be any idea on value of these, this isnt in the best condtion with quite a bit of scratches and knicks in the handle. it looks like whomever used this regularly wore a ring and theres a slight wear spot on the handle. any any info would be great! thanks all.

also, just wanted to put it out there real quick that this knife has a very dark past with the owner that had it before me. ill share when i know more about it the knife itself, but its...interesting.

Originally Posted by deadman13

also, just wanted to put it out there real quick that this knife has a very dark past with the owner that had it before me. ill share when i know more about it the knife itself, but its...interesting.

Is this the razor from ebay the guy was advertising with the haunted clown? Kind of spooky if you ask me! Nice catch though! I looked up the value of the razor. The base value is $13.00 in the Standard Guide Book. But there are many variables that go into it also. But all in all, the value of the razor can change from one person to another. Sometimes you can find a collector who will pay good money for a razor, ecspecially in original condition. They don't like any restoration done. But, that's basically when it will be only for collecting value, not every day use. Sorry I rambled on there! Take care and God Bless!

no, this came from a friend before he passed. he was in out m/c group, and was known as the nice guy. carried these on him (the older ones) and if by chance he got into a fight and won, hed put this into the guys mouth and slice to his ear. not to kill, just to mark. apparently he got a new one and didnt want this one, so i got it. he always used to say "youd better smile when you say that to me" when people talked trash to him, and from what ive been told, after hed do the afrementioned theyed have no choice but to smile. he died before the new batman movie, so no worries there.

thats the interesting history.

This is what I found:

Sheffield Directory of 1852: Barnes Edward &Sons, (Isaac and Edward, jun.) springknife, &c. manufacturers, 226 Solly street; house: 175 Broad lane.

Sheffield Directory of 1857: Barnes Edward, cutlery mfr.; h Winter st.

Freedom books of Hallamshire Cutlers: Barnes Edwars, son of Isaac (cutler); apprentice to Davenport Michael (knife maker) for 7 years from 1807; freedom never.

According to the last source, E. Barnes should have been working at least until 1814 as apprentice, before being allowed to use his own trademark. From your pics [..those pics.. mmm.. ] I'd say the razor was made at least 30 years after 1814 (thus 1845-?1880).. maybe by the E. Barnes working in Sheffield in 1852 and in 1857 (see Directories). Those massive scales (in "barber's use-style") suggest a big blade; also, maybe the razor was reground (look grind and shoulder).

EDIT: scales are dark [buffalo] horn.

EDIT2: More notes.
I found that Isaac Barnes was son of Isaac Barnes ( ) and acquired the Freedom in 1808. If Edward is the son of this Isaac, it seems to me a bit strange that he could be the same E. Barnes (son of a Isaac) that was going to acquire freedom in 1814 (only 6 years after his father).
In the Directory of 1852 we read: Barnes Edward &Sons, (Isaac and Edward, jun.). This Isaac could be son of Edward instead of his father; indeed in 1892 in Sheffield there was a Isaac Barnes still working, maybe using the trademark Edward Barnes & Sons.