Thread: greaves and toussain

a couple new guys for the bench, both of which could be classy shavers if i fix them up right.

a greaves 13/16 with pretty decent horn scales and a disintegrated wedge.


a toussain a st miel. which i dont know much about, either the manufacture or the date of production. maybe someone can fill me in on it.
the scales are scratched, but could be sanded up nicely, with a new wedge.

The Greaves should be great with some work. I don't detect too much hone wear. The wedge is probably not deteriorating, but is wedgeless. Cleaning and neetsfoot oil rubbed on heavy with a q-tip for a while will work good, I think. The French one has cut me already!

Originally Posted by recklessabandon

a couple new guys for the bench, both of which could be classy shavers if i fix them up right.

a greaves 13/16 with pretty decent horn scales and a disintegrated wedge.


a toussain a st miel. which i dont know much about, either the manufacture or the date of production. maybe someone can fill me in on it.
the scales are scratched, but could be sanded up nicely, with a new wedge.

You can sand those scratches out & it will be nice! Of course I love the Wm Greaves & Sons............

yeah the razor itsself looks to be in good shape, shouldnt take too much to get it looking brilliant again.
i believe you are right about it being wedgeless. i assumed because it had separated at the wedge end, that it had just lost its wedge. i'll have to do some work to flatten out the scales, they are a bit warped. i'm optimistic that i'll be able to bring them back to a nice shine again with new bullseye washers.

i've noticed that many people have a fascination with greaves razors, so i'm interested to see what the commotion is about.

Originally Posted by recklessabandon

yeah the razor itsself looks to be in good shape, shouldnt take too much to get it looking brilliant again.
i believe you are right about it being wedgeless. i assumed because it had separated at the wedge end, that it had just lost its wedge. i'll have to do some work to flatten out the scales, they are a bit warped. i'm optimistic that i'll be able to bring them back to a nice shine again with new bullseye washers.

Do whatcha want, but those steel collars are original. In fact, the whole thing can be sorted nicely in original trim. Possibly without disassembly.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Do whatcha want, but those steel collars are original. In fact, the whole thing can be sorted nicely in original trim. Possibly without disassembly.

That could be a nice challenge. I haven't restored a razor without taking it apart before. Can I pm you for advice when I start working on it?

Sure. Light scrubbing with an old toothbrush, diluted simple green, getting inside the scales with a bit of scotchbrite.
Allow to dry and use fine steel wool, scotchbrite pad on the scales following the grain of the horn and work on the collars same.
Polish the collars up with Maas or similar. work on the blade with polish, pencil point at the rust spots. Dip a Q-tip in neetsfoot oil and slather the scales for a few days. Let it soak in good and wipe off. Works well on some and does not ruin it's originality, IMO.
Did this one in such a manner. Looks old, yet clean. Like I wanted it to!

Originally Posted by recklessabandon

i've noticed that many people have a fascination with greaves razors, so i'm interested to see what the commotion is about.

Go here & read:

Straight Razor Place - A brief history of William Greaves & Sons

Originally Posted by recklessabandon

i've noticed that many people have a fascination with greaves razors, so i'm interested to see what the commotion is about.

they are just a off brand , no commotion , they shave OK ,nothing special !! i would probably not buy anymore if i was you !!!

i have a Greaves wedge that is also wedge less , i wondered the same as far as if it lost its wedge or someone forgot to put one in during assembly of the razor .. my blade sets high do to a slight warp in the horn and the only thing keeping me from taking it apart and adding a wedge is that the scales have no damage as far as bug bites , chips , or cracks , and the original collars that im pretty sure i would almost damage trying to drill the pin out , so my edge dont hit the scales and the scales protect the edge , so im just leaving mine be ..lol