Thread: Fredrick Reynolds

This is the first Fred Reynolds I've gotten and don't know much about them. I have other Sheffields that are great so I hope this one turns out to be just as good. I should get jan 2 so I await with baited breath until thin. I've got a Wostenholme on the way I was suppose to get it /xmass eve but so far haven't seen it. the mail has there hands full right now so I understand but still anticipation got me.

You will be more than happy with a FR, very nice shaving razors, some of the better Sheffields. The only info I have on them is the were in business in 1892, doesn't specify if until 1892 or after 1892 but judging from scale materials, grinds, etc. I would say until 1892. They take a wicked edge and hold it for a long time but can be a bit of a pain to hone.

I picked up a FR wedge a while back, spent about 6+ hours trying to hone it, got disgusted and sold it to a collector friend. Later I found out wedges were a totally different animal as far as honing was concerned, watched Glen's (gssixgun) video on honing a smiling wedge and learned to hone wedges. I got that same FR wedge back on a trade, spent less than an hour honing it up and she shaves like a dream.

That's not a bad looking blade and should clean up nicely. If the back scale looks as good as the front scale you can use neetsfoot oil on them, should perk them right up, I like blonde horn scales. Keep us posted on your progress.

You can find info on strazors.com. Is the razor separate from the pivot hole or did they drill another pivot hole?

Originally Posted by DoughBoy68

You will be more than happy with a FR, very nice shaving razors, some of the better Sheffields. The only info I have on them is the were in business in 1892, doesn't specify if until 1892 or after 1892 but judging from scale materials, grinds, etc. I would say until 1892. They take a wicked edge and hold it for a long time but can be a bit of a pain to hone.

I picked up a FR wedge a while back, spent about 6+ hours trying to hone it, got disgusted and sold it to a collector friend. Later I found out wedges were a totally different animal as far as honing was concerned, watched Glen's (gssixgun) video on honing a smiling wedge and learned to hone wedges. I got that same FR wedge back on a trade, spent less than an hour honing it up and she shaves like a dream.

That's not a bad looking blade and should clean up nicely. If the back scale looks as good as the front scale you can use neetsfoot oil on them, should perk them right up, I like blonde horn scales. Keep us posted on your progress.

There's talk of a get together in april close to Memphis I think i'll bring there to hone. i'll clean and polish until then.

Originally Posted by bouschie

You can find info on strazors.com. Is the razor separate from the pivot hole or did they drill another pivot hole?

Looks like shortened scales and an additional hole in the tang to compensate. I would guess the original tops of the scales broke, but who knows...

My experience with Reynolds is that they tend to be harder steel than other Sheffield blades. That means they take longer to hone (especially those thick ground blades), but hold an edge longer. Though, personally, I don't like how they feel while shaving - I am not a fan of heavy grinds with harder steel.

I have quite a few heavy Sheffield blades and have to say that Fred Reynolds are likely my favorite. It should be just great once the scales are fixed up and you get her honed up.

I received the razor today and was a little disappointed. the photos didn't show the grind marks but I believe I've gotten most of them out and will finish work on the blade in a couple of days. the second hole in the tang is where the scales were shortened or replaced with different ones and a new hole drilled. all being said I proberly paid too much but when the blade cleans up and I rescale it I think it'll be a good shaver. after all it's a Sheffield. the size was right 7/8

Originally Posted by bouschie

You can find info on strazors.com. Is the razor separate from the pivot hole or did they drill another pivot hole?

Yes, I wonder the same thing myself. I see an extra pivot hole in tang. I guess you will know when you get it. Very interesting. It's almost like they drilled an extra hole for the blade to fit those scales or for balance. The only bad thing is that it will be visible no matter which hole you use, other than that, it is a nice blade.

Originally Posted by DoughBoy68

You will be more than happy with a FR, very nice shaving razors, some of the better Sheffields. The only info I have on them is the were in business in 1892, doesn't specify if until 1892 or after 1892 but judging from scale materials, grinds, etc. I would say until 1892. They take a wicked edge and hold it for a long time but can be a bit of a pain to hone.

I picked up a FR wedge a while back, spent about 6+ hours trying to hone it, got disgusted and sold it to a collector friend. Later I found out wedges were a totally different animal as far as honing was concerned, watched Glen's (gssixgun) video on honing a smiling wedge and learned to hone wedges. I got that same FR wedge back on a trade, spent less than an hour honing it up and she shaves like a dream.

That's not a bad looking blade and should clean up nicely. If the back scale looks as good as the front scale you can use neetsfoot oil on them, should perk them right up, I like blonde horn scales. Keep us posted on your progress.

According to an ad Frederick Reynolds dates back around the 1830's & in the early 1840's in Sims Croft. He moved to Gell Street in about 1860 & employed fifteen men. By the 1870's the firm had moved to Monmouth Lane. When he died in 1877, his offspring continued the business along with Providence Works, Gell Street. In 1903 Richard Reynolds became senior partner & by the 1920's the firm became Ltd & later branched out to steak knives but when Richard died in 1937, the firm was experiencing financial difficulties & in the second World War the it was restyled to Frederick Reynolds (Cutlers Sheffield) Ltd. In the late 1940's it ceased trading after the death of the founders grandson Harry. The trademark was a cup & saucer.

One of the nice things about getting an old Sheffield back to looking it's best is that there is certainly a lot of material to work with.