Thread: 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.

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 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?

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...

Originally Posted by HNSB

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?

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Wow! You have one too?

Wow what a coincidence. Mine was used by Sitting Bull before the battle with Custer.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

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!

Originally Posted by Jimbo

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.

Originally Posted by HNSB

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.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Ha! Caught ya! Everybody knows Sitting Bull used a DE!

Sounds like a lot of Bull Sit to me