Thread: A. Barber's Old English

Just thought I'd post this old beaut.

A buddy of mine (JG, you out there?) had this family heirloom and entrusted me to clean it up a mite and hone it for him.

By the stubtail and the scales, it seems to be one of those grand old Sheffield wedges pre-dating 1830 or so.

All I did was get some of the rust and grunge off, the pits are way too deep for anything but a regrind and, frankly, I like the look of them on the blade.

Honing this was a challenge--the bevel's wavy as the sea, but she got there eventually.

I do wonder about the name. "A. Barber's Old English." I'm assuming that is A. as in an initial, not the indirect article...could it be a relation of John? I also can't seem to find the second "l" in "To Shave Wel(l)". Nice touch, that.

Anyway, thought she'd be a nice looker for you'ns.

Not too awful shabby.Looks like you did pretty good.Pits don't look all that too horendous ? Nice Ol' blade man ...Kudos !

Nice job Jim! I really like this style of blade....so much that you inspired my SOTD....

Very nice looking blade.

Beatiful razor, good job

Thanks guys, but I honestly didn't do much, just cleaning.

But it was a real pleasure to work with her.

Pretty nice for just a simple clean up !

Hey that’s my razor! I just noticed this post here, sorry for the inattentiveness. I just got this razor back from Jim earlier in the week and it was the first thing I shaved with. I had some other razors that were nagging to be used but I haven’t been able to put this one down since I got her back. The truth is that this razor was no where near as pretty as she is in these pictures when I sent her off for recovery and probably had a brutal bevel job to work with.

This is the first wedge I’ve ever shaved with and since I’ve only been using straight razors for about two months now my technique is most likely lacking, but the shave I got from it was fantastic. It doesn’t look brand new but I like it fine just the way it is.

Thanks for taking up the challenge of “cleaning” her up and sharing the pictures. My great grandfather would be proud.

Joe

Very nice and old razor. My congratulations.
And very interesting.
There were J.Barber, I.Barber, E.Barber, but nothing about A.Barber.
The razor from 1830's. At that time etched blades became popular.
With such phrases as "The Celebrated Razor", "Old English" and "I Am Sharp And Will Shave Well".

Originally Posted by JosephG

Hey that’s my razor!

Thanks for taking up the challenge of “cleaning” her up and sharing the pictures. My great grandfather would be proud.

Joe

Great job! It looks awesome!