John Williams Damascus Steel - Authentic?

Just acquired this razor. The only etching on the razor says John Williams Damascus Steel. Scales seem plastic. I disinfected them in ethyl alcohol and they started smelling something like acetone.

Anyway the thing is, the blade is obviously not damascus but plain shiny steel with no patterns, and I'm wondering whether this thing will provide a decent shave or if it's just a knockoff? There is no info on this brand online. Does anyone know of John Williams razors, and are they any good? Thanks for any help!

As far as I can remember, not all Damascus steel is pattern welded.

Mark

I have the same razor and it's great! Hone it and enjoy!

Often manufacturers would label a razor as "damascus steel" mainly as a marketing gimmick. I have yet to see a vintage razor labeled as damascus that actually IS damascus.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Milton Man

As far as I can remember, not all Damascus steel is pattern welded.

Mark

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Absolutely correct. John Williams are excellent shavers.

Nice snag!

I happen to own 4 John Williams Damascus Sheffield razors. Info on them is very scarce as the razors are extremely scarce. Not sure if they are true Damascus steel but the steel is good, they have the feel of Swedish steel, very hard. They can be a real pain to sharpen but on the other hand can be a real treat to shave with once they are sharp, they also hold the edge for a long time before needing touched up. I have enjoyed every shave with them, except when they pulled some due to needing touched up, and if you get a nice keen edge on yours I'm sure you will enjoy it too.

BTW, the first one in the first 2 pics was my first str8 and I've had her for 2 years. After getting her shave ready it didn't take long to realize it was a fine razor. It has taken 2 years to acquire the other 3 (I don't have pics of the 4th one yet, guess I'm lazy)

Hone 'er up and enjoy!

I too have a John Williams that I believe has been rescaled. Like has been said before, there is very little info on his razors, but they are known to be good shavers. He made them about 100 years ago iirc.