Thread: Can you tell me about this old G. Johnson?, pls.

I found this straight razor among my great-grandfather's things. I am hoping some kind person on this forum can tell me about it. Like, how old it is, and should I clean it, and how to clean it?
What is the handle made of? It is translucent.

I have found a couple similar online, but no info. I have provided photos.
I appreciate any info.
Thanks.

Smarter people will fill this in better .. George Johnson & C0., Sheffield, 1810-1855, this one probably produced around 1830 (rough guess), in translucent horn scales. I would avoid trying to clean or polish it for now. Rub it with some olive oil and a piece of microfibre cloth, blade and scales. Wipe it clean and keep it dry. In the future, it could easily be honed and used if you decide to try that, but for now, don't do anything that can't be undone.

A genuine family heirloom razor is considered a treasure around here, congratulations.

Welcome to SRP.
Here is info about George Johnson:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...tml#post838554

Here is my George Johnson.

P.S. Try to use search. It's always helpful.

I'm glad you mentioned oiling it. I was wondering about the handle and if it would dry out and crack. Among his things was an old pen and it was so dried out when I opened it, it started to crumble, unfortunately. Should I rub the handle with olive oil also?

I'm very lucky that I found and kept an old cigar box with old documents and a few trinkets. This will definetly stay in the family and be passed on. I just want to make sure to care for it so it doesn't degrade any further. I thought this old razor would be dull, but it's actually very sharp!

Manah,

I saw that link.

"The Johnson marks were seven stars (granted 1835) and a clay pipe with dart device (granted 1698)."

I saw the seven stars, but no clay pipe or dart. Mine looks like a hammer and seven stars. I also wanted info on how to care for it, clean it, or restore it, etc.
And is there any way to more accurately pinpoint when it was made? I see G. Johnson 1810-1855, but were these made by his sons and grandsons until a later date?

I saw the seven stars, but no clay pipe or dart.

"Seven stars" and "Clay pipe with dart" are different stamps.

This is what I'd consider honed to death - see that frown in the heel area and the really short stabilizer. If it were mine I won't bother to clean it (just stop the rust) - the pitting looks really deep. I'd find one in better condition.
But if you want to shave with your great grandfather's razor, with a bit of work it can be made to shave.

Johnson didn't acquire the pipe and dart until 1842 I believe (yes it was granted in 1698, but not to him.) This looks earlier than that to me

"Seven stars" were granted in 1835.
I have the same razor. And it looks like 1835-1840. IMO.

I found one today at an antique shop for 17 bucks. Looks like mine has 4 stars stamped on the handle. Any info on this? It looks identical to the one the OP posted.