Thread: BJ Eyre Razor, Barber's Notch (wedge?)

I picked up this nice razor on ebay a few days ago, just polished it up a little earlier today. I'm wondering if anyone can help me put a date range on it?

Also has anyone shaved with one? I really like the quality of an ebay razor for once and I'm thinking of sending it off to get honed. (I've bought a few in the past and didn't like the feel so I just resold them)

I think the scales may be some sort of horn or bone - definitely not wood or celluloid. Tang says BJ Eyre & Cos Challenge Razor Sheffield and it has a nice deep etching on the blade. Seems like it may be a wedge?

Originally Posted by ats200

scales may be some sort of horn or bone - definitely not wood or celluloid.

It is horn, slightly crooked, but acceptable for the age. I would guess that scales were changed at some point. Second pin need to be tightened. Based on the shape I would guess around 1850-1870. Barbers notch is quite unusual but great though. Nice razor and good condition. Congratulations.

Definitely late 1800's, I'd guess 1870-1880; I believe that was when that smaller notch became popular. Eyre took over Greaves, but I can never remember when. I really like Eyre's; I find them to be typical Sheffield razors.

Looks very similar to mine. I have the notch, but a narrower blade (4/8) and some scrollwork on the blade. The manufacterer's stamp on the tang is almost exactly like yours.

Awesome, thanks for all of the info! I'm excited to get this one shave ready now.

Traskrom, just out of curiosity how can you tell the pin needs tightened from the pictures? Dead on with that. Also, what makes you say the scales were changed out? I had considered replacing them but I thought they were originals so I was going to keep. Maybe I'll reconsider now.

That's easy - you did quite good pictures

Nice looking razor! Enjoy!

Thanks again! Nice eye there Traskrom. I think now that I realize they are probably replaced scales and they're a little bent I might replace them in the future; nothing immediately necessary though.

One last question, is this a wedge? It looks like it to me but I was (for some reason) under the impression that a hollow ground normally wasn't a wedge? Maybe I'm confused on the meaning of hollow ground.

The word "wedge" is used very loosely (by many) to mean anything that is a quarter hollow or heavier grind. You could call it a wedge or wedgeie or wedge like, but I think it's more accurate to call it a quarter hollow. Most older Sheffield blades that say "hollow grind/ground" are quarter hollows.