Thread: "Sheffield Made" Frameback *scratches head*

Hi all - picked up my first frameback today. She's seen better days. I'm not sure how to feel about her - a very plain looking blade simply reading "Sheffield Made". Without the "England" stamp I was thinking they likely predate 1890?

I assume that the scales are newer than the blade - they have a pattern and are made of a material different to the usual smooth Bakelite. The pinning is very rough. The scales also don't fit very well when closed and don't 'fit' with the look of the blade.

Any further information welcomed.

They look like pressed leather scales to me. I have a set on a Germania Cutlery Razor that look similar and thats what they are.
I kind of like your unique find!

Originally Posted by JimmyWetshaver

They look like pressed leather scales to me.

Funny you should say that - I was going to suggest some kind of rubber - but leather makes more sense...

The other possibility is pressed horn.

Both Wade & Butcher and G. Wostenholm produced framebacks. But they were stamped differently. Possibly an early model with simpler stamp but unlikely. Could not find much more. Good luck.

I'll eat my boots if that razor isn't plated brass or unfinished steel.

As discussed in the "frameback nomenclature" post, the blade is definitely Sheffield type, most likely not a very bad one, as the framebacks had as a key advantage that you could use a more "high end" material for the spine.

I would definitely agree with Pithor who therefore makes a good point
If it's brass and you can get the golden shine back, it will be a marvel with these scale like I had never seen insofar

I had one, the makers name escapes me now. They are military issue I took the scales off mine and It looked a lot like asbestos very fibrous. I could bit get mine to take a edge, it had me beat. Hopefully you have more luck. If I remember the maker I'll post back, I think it started with W

I remember John Watts, victory

Originally Posted by wbc85

I remember John Watts, victory

You are quite right! Mine is identical to other John Watts frameback razors except without the "John Watts" stamp. I believe this one is in pressed leather scales, and I have to eat my earlier words - they appear to be the original scales after all.

Many thanks everyone.