Thread: pre 1800 straight interests

As I put together plans for my muzzleloading shop... trading post (as it's starting to look like haha) I find a rather large group interested in learning about straight shaving as well as period pieces from early to mid 1700's. This post is by no means a business type promotion or anything like that. I'm also into early colonial to mountain man era re-enacting so this is as much my hobby and anything else.

I'm thinking of starting a Razor Club in that theme I guess I'm after some more history and want to know if others are also interested.

I'd be interested in anyones help with references and pictures of known razors from the early days of the US, anywhere really as most may have been imported anyway. Shaving memorabilia and the like is more than welcome as many of us want to set up a period correct shave kit

Any help would be great. I'd also like to hear from anyone making razors that may want to attempt making "replica" pieces that can be used. Built as they where back in the day. I have to say I'm tempted to try making one myself

Here you can find some pre 1800 razors. This is website of our member clavichord.

Of course you are familiar with the existing razor club, The Stub Tailed Shavers here ? Many examples of pre-1800 and early 1800 shavers there including a couple of mine.

Yes I've got mine posted there but most of the ones there are post 1800 and it's not really geared to all things pre 1800 shaving stuff. It's focus is on that shape razor tail.

It may just be my Dyslexic trait of over specialization/data mining, but I didn't see that club as what i was after. If the higher ups feel this is not worth the space please PM me and I'll fix it.

Try giving quicknicker a PM. I saw some of his collection and had an interesting conversation with him. A lot of his collection and knowledge might fit you interest.

What are the earliest American-made razors?

Some very interesting shapes in those older razors. The blade kind of tapers into the tang. Is anybody in our group shaving regularly with a blade that's pre-1800? I would be very interested to know how the steel holds up over the years, and if anybody's willing to risk damaging a blade that old.

Fred

Sometimes I use these razors. Not pre 1800, but very near. Wonderful steel in all respects.

Originally Posted by manah

Sometimes I use these razors. Not pre 1800, but very near. Wonderful steel in all respects.

Very cool! Are the curves in those razors the original shape, or do you think they got that way through 200 years of honing? And does shaving technique differ at all with that shape?

Fred

I've shaved with mine, still need to work the edge a bit more. As one would guess the grind is irregular and does take a bit of attention to keep from messing it up any more than neccisary to get a shave edge.

I tape the spine and use my narrow natural stones only (only narrow stones I have). I prefer to keep the abrasive on the slower cutting side as I slip up would be less damaging than with a fast cutter.