Joseph Elliot & Sons Razor

Hi Guys,

I inherited this razor from my grandfather and ive been trying to find out some information about it. I gather that its from sheffield and it was made some time between 1895 and 1944 from the trademark but apart from that I havnt found out much.

Can anyone shed some light on this for me? Anyone know what the scales would be made from? Id would love to restore this razor as ive been shaving with a dovo that I bought brand new for about a year now and i love it, im trying to convert all my friends! Id love to start my vintage collection with this one.. any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

Here is a link where you can check manufacture dates on almost any str8 razor out there. Not all are listed, but most are there. (I have 4 John Williams Damascus Sheffield razors that I can't find any info on) Looks like a good restore project and something to treasure since it was your grandfathers.

Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation

Note: You may have to copy & paste if it doesn't work by clicking on to the link.

Welcome to SRP! Joseph Elliot made some good razors. I would guess that the year of manufacturing was the late 1800's as there is not country stamped on the shank. I would also guess the scales are horn.

I don't see where there needs to be a lot of restoration done to this razor other than some metal polish such as Maas, some Neets Footoil for the scales (just a lite coat and then a proper honing!

Enjoy your heirloom!

Two suggestions...

First, if it's your grandfather's razor and you liked the guy, then you should restore at least 5 other razors first to make sure you have at least a rudimentary concept of what the restoration will involve. In other words, break a less valuable (sentimentally) razor first!

Second, give some thought to NOT restoring it. If the razor was in this condition when it was last in your grandfather's hands, you might want to keep it as it is. It looks to be in good shape and has a nice aged patina. Personally, I would just hone it and use it. If the scales are bone, you can give them a wipe with Neatsfoot oil and you'd be done.

I agree with Utopian! That has a very nice patina to it and would be nice to just hone it and then shave with it, like Grandpa did!!

I agree! Once it has been "restored" you can't go back. I have a double edge razor of my grandfather's that I use once in a while (otherwise I am a 100% straight guy) and I think its great that its still useable "as is" and that its pretty much as he used it. Similarly I have an old Stanley wood plane of his from the 1940s that I use and would not dream of "restoring".

Looks like it will make a great shaver, especially for a heavy beard, with that blade profile. I wouldn't do anything but clean it up and have it honed. Can't go wrong with a W&B, if it is in good condition and does not have uneven honewear or other blade issues. Yours looks great!

Thanks guys, Im gona take your advice and just hone it and shave away!