Thread: What are the top English Straight Razor Manufacturers?

I am beginning to think it might be hard to find a bad Sheffield razor but I am sure they exist. The five of different makers that I use have all been good shavers. The only one I had problems with was a Pipe razor with a bent tang that I straightened but shaved well till I dropped it. I am starting to like their heavier grinds like the 1/4 hollows. Interesting thread seeing the different manufacturers mentioned not the same old big three all the time.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I am beginning to think it might be hard to find a bad Sheffield razor but I am sure they exist...

No they don't exist. Anything made in Sheffield is, or was, a tremendous razor.

James.

Jimbo

Then finding that one bad one would be considered the holy grail of Sheffield razors?

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Jimbo

Then finding that one bad one would be considered the holy grail of Sheffield razors?

Bob

I guess it would, yes! But you'd have to prove it was a manufacturing issue, and not a function of time, mistreatment, "restoration" etc.

I'm not a gambling man, but if I were ever to put down a wager it would be on this issue, so strongly do I feel about the Sheffield straight razor manufacturing industry. God Bless the Queen!

James.

In this interesting thread I see no mention of Wheatly Brothers Sheaf Works razors. Can anyone shed some light on them. Good, bad or indifferent?

Bob

Here's the thing. When it comes to classic-era Sheffield razors, the cut-rate knock-offs -- like I. Barber and J. Wostenholm -- are superb razors.

That said, I've never seen a Hunter & Sons razor that was in good shape, and I have no idea why.

Here in America we've got a skewed sense of who the biggest producers were, largely because between Wade & Butcher and Wostenholm our streets were paved with Sheffield razors. The great bulk of all the production from those two companies went directly to America, moreso Wostenholm that W&B, but all the same, they were major exporters.

My perception of 'largest' (which doesn't equal best) is, in order of prevalence:
Wade & Butcher
George Wostenholm
Frederick Reynolds
Joseph Elliot
Joseph Rodgers

(depending on wind speed and humidity, my ordering of the last three will change)

I've never seen a Hunter & Sons razor that was in good shape

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Originally Posted by Voidmonster

The great bulk of all the production from those two companies went directly to America, moreso Wostenholm that W&B, but all the same, they were major exporters.

I was surprised when I found out that Butcher ..... IIRC .... was not even a razor maker. He was the NY based facilitator of Wade's importing into the USA. Anyway .... I know someone will correct me if I'm (shudder) wrong.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

No they don't exist. Anything made in Sheffield is, or was, a tremendous razor.

James.

Charles Peace was made in Sheffield - he was pretty bad! From pictures of him, it didn't look like he was a tremendous shaver, either...

Regards,
Neil