Thread: Any info on this razor?

Hi,

New here so hello!

On a recent trip to the UK my uncle gifted me with a straight razor that his uncle gave to him. I was wondering if anyone can help provide some background or any info on age etc? I've attached some photo's, but here's what I know.

Box says:
W .Weir, Hairdresser, Whiteinch

McPherson Brothers
Cutlery & Silversmiths
Glasgow

Razor says:
862 5/8 Osgar Reg D
Finest Sheffield Steel
Forged Real Hollow Ground & Made In Germany

Thanks in advance! I'm very curious about this blades age in particular, and what it's history might be.
Peter

Could you give a close up photo or description of the tang on the other side?
This is the makers mark - please include the makers logo

Your razor was made (see below) by Osborne Garrett & Company Ltd. The other peoples logos on the box are just agents/re-sellers.

Some have "Forged and Hollow Ground in Sheffield" on the back of the tang, some "Made and Ground in Sheffield, England" and some "Real Hollow Ground in Germany", and some forged, ground and made in Germany like yours. The company was in business from 1899 to around 1923. They made several brands of razor apart from the Kropp, including the Elmo, Osgar, Ogee and Cararra.

It is not altogether clear whether Osbrne, Garrett & Co had their own works, or whether they commissioned others to make their wares. They certainly seem to have bought from wherever they could get the best deal, as indicated by the various legends on the back of the tangs, although both world wars could have influenced them to use Sheffield makers in preference to Germany just so as not to become tainted with hostile public opinion re: Germany at those times. Apart from razors they also had a line of strops, strop dressings and other sundries - I even have a few combs still in the original waxed paper sleeves sold under their Ogee brand.

Regards,
Neil

Wow, didn't realize it was that old. Thank you. Is there anything to watch for with these older razors? It seems to be in good shape though...

Originally Posted by fireworks

Is there anything to watch for with these older razors?

Yeah, don't cut yourself !

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Yeah, don't cut yourself !

That and watch the whiskers fly off your face when they're honed up right.

I'm looking forward to it. I really like the idea of this razor being passed through the family. BTW I keep hearing about Sheffield steel. What's the significance? Also, can you still get a 'Sheffield Steel' razor new?

Originally Posted by fireworks

I'm looking forward to it. I really like the idea of this razor being passed through the family. BTW I keep hearing about Sheffield steel. What's the significance? Also, can you still get a 'Sheffield Steel' razor new?

Sheffield has (or had) a long-standing reputation as a steel-working capital, where skilled craftsmen worked high quality steel into high quality tools, cutlery, razors, etc.

An interesting fact is that at some point quite a bit of their steel came from Sweden if I remember correctly.

Originally Posted by Pithor

Sheffield has (or had) a long-standing reputation as a steel-working capital, where skilled craftsmen worked high quality steel into high quality tools, cutlery, razors, etc.

An interesting fact is that at some point quite a bit of their steel came from Sweden if I remember correctly.

That's almost right, but iron ore rather than steel. Iron ore has to be converted into steel. Sheffield has always imported iron ore to mix with the native product to form a vast range of alloy steels. A lot came from Russia and Spain once upon a time, but Sweden's iron ore became prominent once it was found to be of such high purity.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

That's almost right, but iron ore rather than steel. Iron ore has to be converted into steel. Sheffield has always imported iron ore to mix with the native product to form a vast range of alloy steels. A lot came from Russia and Spain once upon a time, but Sweden's iron ore became prominent once it was found to be of such high purity.

Regards,
Neil

Sweden, Solingen, and Sheffield certainly have the reputation for the best steels for cutlery. The USA steel used in the vintage razors was equal in quality I think. I have always found the marketing aspect interesting. I mean how a British made razor might say 'ground in Solingen' and a Solingen might be marked Sheffield or Swedish steel'. All of the vintage stuff was remarkably high quality though. Up until recently TI marked their razors 'Sheffield Silver Steel' or something like that. Our modern steels are super good as well IME.