Thread: Is it a lemon

Well i picked this razor up a few weeks ago and am starting to think i got a lemon.
there is tool markings on the underside of the tang and the monkey tail as well.
I have never seen the markings on the tang before and cant see makers mark.
If any one has seen one with same markings can shed a bit of light on it, it would be appreciated

But how is the edge?

Sheffield's are good news though mine is too used up to put an edge on it with my limited skills.

As for yours, I think the tail has just been broken. Are you thinking it's a knock-off?

It is "fully warrented" though so I'd just take it back it you aren't happy.

That is what i am saying it says sheffield which is a place in england not a company(as far as i know) the tail is not broken just not refined as much around the edges as i would exspect. Was wondering if anyone had seen a razor with the sword motiff and sheffield on the tang or had any info about it.
Not sent it to be honed yet just tryin to decided if it is good enough to go to all the effort of removing all the marks and smoothing the rough edges.

Can't help you on the maker but from those pictures it looks like you've got a lovely little relatively early Sheffield blade. It's been a little over enthusiastically sanded and the lower grit papers have been omitted but… nice score, I'd say.

I have a 6/8 round point that is stamped SHEFFIELD on the tang where the maker's mark is usually placed and beneath that, in smaller type, ENGLISH STEEL. But it doesn't have the sword like yours.These are the only marks on the razor. Actually, it's quite a nice razor.

Regards - Walt

Looks to me like somebody may have just tried to clean it up... get it honed and give it a shave... I think it looks fine from the pics, and I doubt it's a lemon (assuming nobody has damaged it).

no way. Looks like a helluva razor. The pics don't show any hone wear so there's lots to work with; should hone and shave very nicely.

i'm not sure what you expect from a razor, but if you're interested in shaving with it the appearance whether you like it or dislike it is completely uncorrelated with its function.
on the other hand if you are troubled by the markings on the shank it's probably a bit too late and your best option may be to resell it.

That's a pretty normal early-to-mid Sheffield tang... they're a little rough. As for all the scratches, those are from a less than perfect hand-sanding job to clean it up.

Looks like it should be a great razor.