Thread: Ford & Medley "The Celebrated King William Razor"

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the Straight Razor Community, and am wanting to start. I recently went to a Antique shop and purchased a Straight Razor made by Ford & Medley, Sheffield, but my question is it has an engraving with the saying "The Celebrated King William Razor" and has a Crown Symbol above it. I have searched all over the net to understand what the meaning of it is or if it has any significance, but was hoping you guys could help me out. I will post some pictures either tonight or tomorrow. Also is Ford & Medley decent? I am not going to try and hone or Stop this until I use a "Shave Ready" razor to get an idea of what to be feeling for.

Welcome to SRP.
All Sheffield razors are good shavers.
E.M.U. Ford & Medley, Sheffield - 1872 - 1930.

Thanks manah, I found a pdf somewhere that had these symbols, thank you for posting the trademarks. My blade has the rope knot with FM, like in the photo. I don't know if this indicates a specific year. Again thanks for posting that I should have photos in just a little bit.

Originally Posted by StraightRaze

Hi Everyone,

I am new to the Straight Razor Community, and am wanting to start. I recently went to a Antique shop and purchased a Straight Razor made by Ford & Medley, Sheffield, but my question is it has an engraving with the saying "The Celebrated King William Razor" and has a Crown Symbol above it. I have searched all over the net to understand what the meaning of it is or if it has any significance, but was hoping you guys could help me out. I will post some pictures either tonight or tomorrow. Also is Ford & Medley decent? I am not going to try and hone or Stop this until I use a "Shave Ready" razor to get an idea of what to be feeling for.

Welcome to SRP, mate

I'm quite new myself and haven't heard of Ford & Medley before. However, if it's a vintage Sheffield, I'd wager it is a decent shaver. Hopefully it was in good condition.

This is completely off the wall guess, but there was William IV on the English throne 1830-1837 (wiki). Not necessarily related.

Ursus,

I don't think that's off the wall at all, I too was thinking that same thing, again I don't know if that's what it's celebrating, if so that would be very intriguing. As far as condition, I feel it is in fairly decent condition, the blade itself has a little rust and staining it looks to be, and I don't think the Scale is original it seems too much like plastic, then I could be wrong

Originally Posted by StraightRaze

Ursus,

I don't think that's off the wall at all, I too was thinking that same thing, again I don't know if that's what it's celebrating, if so that would be very intriguing. As far as condition, I feel it is in fairly decent condition, the blade itself has a little rust and staining it looks to be, and I don't think the Scale is original it seems too much like plastic, then I could be wrong

Well, Parkesine (early plastic) was invented in 1856 and renamed as Celluloid in 1870. Early scales were made of this. [Celluloid - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia]. Can't say if it is a rescale without seeing it though.

Ok, I have attached some photos, I hope I didn't go overkill on it, let me know if you want any other angles or if it's good already Hope you like em.

Any ideas anyone :S Also would it hurt to have it restored honed/polished? As far as possible collectors item wise?

It wouldnt hurt it a bit, the minor pitting(if thats what it is) will remain but at least it will not be rusted any longer, looks like it would be a great shaver!

Thanks, I hope it'll turn out to be a comfortable shave I can't tell if it's pitting or not, it almost looks like it's stained/tarnished. I don't know if that can be removed, as I have never cleaned a blade before.