Old Razors (1700's-1800's) - what to look for and how to find them?

Hey All - I've recently been reading a few threads where people have found magnificent treasures. Razors that are nearly 200 years old (or older) and they're still around, still being used - just an amazing thought. As someone had posted in a previous thread "the thought that ten generations ago someone cherished that razor, and now it's in your hands for safekeeping."

I'd love to start looking for one of these older pieces, but aside from the few threads I've read, I'm not sure what brands to looks for, or where to find them (for example I've searched eBay for Sheffield and Wade & Butcher, then paged through the many results looking for the few tang stamps I'm familiar with, but thinking there might be a better way).

I thought someone here might be able to offer some guidance (brands, stamps, search methods, anything would be great) - if so, much appreciated!

Wade and Butcher isn't particularly early brand. Here's a list of various manufacturers along with dates of operations mostly from sheffield
Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation

You probably want to peruse the razor database in the wiki, as well as the various 'razor clubs'.


Keep in mind that most very old razors are lousy shavers. Just the result of bad technology.

This is exactly what I was hoping to find, thanks Gugi!

In regards to shave quality - I'm sure it'll give me a better shave today, then I'll be able to give myself in 200 years. :)

Only if you have a very pessimistic view of life. I personally plan 200 years from now to still be in good shaving shape and have stocked up on straight razors accordingly.

If you are trying to find maker's names take a look the the Stub Tailed Shavers razor club. The stub tails are made in the era you mentioned in your post.

Regards - Walt

Thank you Walt - there's lots of great info in here!

I own two razors from the late 1700s and they are both unnamed (i.e. not maker identified). I was only able to date them by having our resident expert, Manah, evaluate them (thanks again, Manah!). I only mention them being unnamed because if you search by makers alone, you may miss a gem. I noticed a razor exactly like mine listed on eBay recently, so they do exist occasionally. But be careful, there are also many hucksters selling so-called colonial era razors that are undoubtedly fakes. Good luck searching.

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Originally Posted by diyguy

I own two razors from the late 1700s and they are both unnamed (i.e. not maker identified). I was only able to date them by having our resident expert, Manah, evaluate them (thanks again, Manah!). I only mention them being unnamed because if you search by makers alone, you may miss a gem. I noticed a razor exactly like mine listed on eBay recently, so they do exist occasionally. But be careful, there are also many hucksters selling so-called colonial era razors that are undoubtedly fakes. Good luck searching.

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Hi diyguy, this is really great information to know and use when hunting for old treasure. Any chance you could post some pics so we can learn as well from your treasures as well?
Thanks on behalf of us all :D
Shane

It is quite easy to spot the really old ones on ebay. Look out for seller descriptions like:

"it's really old"
"as used by Genghis Khan and his mongol horde"
"genuine ye olde razor"
"pretty sure this is pre civil war"
"looks really old"
"bronze age, prehistoric razor as used by early hominids to shave down thus increasing speed when chased by velociraptors"

Easy!

James.

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

It is quite easy to spot the really old ones on ebay. Look out for seller descriptions like:

"it's really old"
"as used by Genghis Khan and his mongol horde"
"genuine ye olde razor"
"pretty sure this is pre civil war"
"looks really old"
"bronze age, prehistoric razor as used by early hominids to shave down thus increasing speed when chased by velociraptors"

Easy!

James.

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Awwww, you make it sound so easy..........pulling my leg that is. Now pulling fingers is something entirely much more dangerous! :P

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jimbo

It is quite easy to spot the really old ones on ebay. Look out for seller descriptions like:

"it's really old"
"as used by Genghis Khan and his mongol horde"
"genuine ye olde razor"
"pretty sure this is pre civil war"
"looks really old"
"bronze age, prehistoric razor as used by early hominids to shave down thus increasing speed when chased by velociraptors"

Easy!

James.

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Unfortunately James there is a distinct lack of Genghis Khan era mongol razors on the market. Something to do with their natural proclivity to hoard things, I hear (...ouch!...) :)

Regards,
Neil

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Neil Miller

Unfortunately James there is a distinct lack of Genghis Khan era mongol razors on the market. Something to do with their natural proclivity to hoard things, I hear (...ouch!...) :)

Regards,
Neil

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Lets see if I´ve got this pictured correctly.............Genghis Khan with flowing beard on horseback hoarding razors.............could this be the missing link to the discovery of Cordovan?

Virtually no monkey tail, straight scales with no curve. No distinct separation between tang and cutting edge are typical of pre 1800 razors. I have a Rodgers like that and it is an excellent shaver. W&B began as 'Wade' and you see them occasionally. Early 1800s IIRC. Butcher was the USA rep and that is how the two teamed up and W&B became such a large and successful enterprise. That and they made a heck of a razor IME too.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Virtually no monkey tail, straight scales with no curve. No distinct separation between tang and cutting edge are typical of pre 1800 razors. I have a Rodgers like that and it is an excellent shaver. W&B began as 'Wade' and you see them occasionally. Early 1800s IIRC. Butcher was the USA rep and that is how the two teamed up and W&B became such a large and successful enterprise. That and they made a heck of a razor IME too.

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Ahh at last..............a ray of wisdom.
Thanks Jimmy for sharing that. Really good pointers that I will refer to in the future :tu:

Yes, this is more great advice - thank you!

One of the razors I was referring to was restored by Glen. It’s the same razor I took camping recently. The second razor is currently on vacation at Glen’s house receiving the same treatment as his cousin – so I don’t have good pictures to post. Does this help?

Yes diyguy it does - thanks! With everyone's great contributions, I'm starting to get a better idea of makes to search for. I'd assume the process of discovering one of these treasures will simply be time consuming. I've been searching eBay a bit - but the old makers aren't real common. :)

Also diyguy - that blade is beautiful - cant believe how well the resto came out!!

On that I could not find in the wiki is Skidmore.

In the 1821 census there was a Joseph Skidmore, razor & table knife manfr., shown at 30 Bailey Street in Sheffield. In 1829 he was located on Pond Street in Sheffield. This is about right for your razor.

Regards - Walt