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Thread: Does anybody know the history of their vintage blade

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    Senior Member coloshaver's Avatar
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    Default Does anybody know the history of their vintage blade

    I have cleaned up, honed and used my bay bought "J. Wolstenholm & Sons - EBRO" As I was looking at my face in the mirror as I used it, I really wondered where it had been and who may have used it in the 100+ years since it was a chunk of raw steel. Was this Sheffield beauty imported and sold in the US or did some traveler bring it here? What other mirrors had it seen - in a barbers hand in a shop on some dusty mid-western street, grand hotels in New York city, tents in mining camps, a tree on some battlefield? I'm sure many razors have great stories. Unfortunately, they can't tell us. This added nuance makes these old quality razors so much more interesting to me than new Dovos.

    Does anyone else with vintage razors know their history? Maybe one that was passed down from a great grandfather? (What a great subject for an historical novel!)

    Just musing, but very interested if you have a story. Thanks.

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    There is no charge for Awesomeness Jimbo's Avatar
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    Yes! I have several from grandfathers (mine and inlaws) that I have a good history of. And, most recently, with the help of my friends I now have an idea of the history of a 4 day set I recently acquired as well - laid out in this thread.

    It is hard to explain, but sometimes knowing the history is a bigger draw than the razors themselves, at least for me. So many razors are anonymous that when you finally find (non-family) razors where the history can be traced, it is a tremendous feeling!

    James.
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    Senior Member blabbermouth Joed's Avatar
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    I don't have any stories behind my razors but like you I like musing about them. Every time we see old scenes in movies, old pictures anywhere or even walking through old cemeteries I can't help but think of where my razors may have been. I try not to muse while I'm shaving though but before and/or after is just fine. Another thought is what kind of edge did the razor(s) have while other people used them?
    Jimbo and Havachat45 like this.
    “If you always do what you always did, you will always get what you always got.” (A. Einstein)

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    This is not my actual head. HNSB's Avatar
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    Mine was owned by General Custer. He used it for his last shave before he died.

    At least, that's what the eBay seller said...
    Jimbo, Jeltz and paco664 like this.

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    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by HNSB View Post
    Mine was owned by General Custer. He used it for his last shave before he died.

    At least, that's what the eBay seller said...
    Wow! You have one too?
    It is easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled. Twain

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    The Hurdy Gurdy Man thebigspendur's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nun2sharp View Post
    Wow! You have one too?
    Wow what a coincidence. Mine was used by Sitting Bull before the battle with Custer.
    No matter how many men you kill you can't kill your successor-Emperor Nero

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    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by thebigspendur View Post
    Wow what a coincidence. Mine was used by Sitting Bull before the battle with Custer.
    Ha! Caught ya! Everybody knows Sitting Bull used a DE!
    Havachat45 likes this.
    It is easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled. Twain

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    Senior Member Havachat45's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Jimbo View Post
    Yes! I have several from grandfathers (mine and inlaws) that I have a good history of. And, most recently, with the help of my friends I now have an idea of the history of a 4 day set I recently acquired as well - laid out in this thread.

    It is hard to explain, but sometimes knowing the history is a bigger draw than the razors themselves, at least for me. So many razors are anonymous that when you finally find (non-family) razors where the history can be traced, it is a tremendous feeling!

    James.
    I couldn't agree more, James.
    The only history I have on any of mine is that two of them were (allegedly) owned by John Hart (the actor that played the Lone Ranger).
    I can only wish I had some of my ancestors razors.
    Hang on and enjoy the ride...

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    The only straight man in Thailand ndw76's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by HNSB View Post
    Mine was owned by General Custer. He used it for his last shave before he died.
    General Custer must have been a razor collector too.
    bonitomio likes this.

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    Never a dull moment hoglahoo's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by nun2sharp View Post
    Ha! Caught ya! Everybody knows Sitting Bull used a DE!
    Sounds like a lot of Bull Sit to me
    nun2sharp, Sailor and Wullie like this.
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