Thread: W. Braodhurst & Son Army Razor

I thought I’d share this razor and a little history. There is only one thread on this maker with some information from the late Neil Miller.
William Broadhurst (c. 1787 – 1864) was involved in 1817 with‘Peter Cadman, Son & Broadhurst’ which was dissolved in 1828. Broadhurst started his own business on Charles St. and was first listed in the directories in 1833. By 1841 his business had moved to Westfield Terrace. A year later he became a master cutler. In 1845 he brought his son William Marshall into the business and it was styled ‘William Broadhurst & Son’. His trade mark was ‘NonXLL’ which was sold to Unwin & Rogers in 1860 but probably its most familiar use was by Joseph Allen. William and Marshall went bankrupt in 1855 but the company was revived again in the early 1860’s as ‘William Braodhurst’ now located in Westfield Works, Broomhall St. William died in 1864 and the firm advertised as ‘late W. Broadhurst’ in 1865. The name disappeared from the Sheffield directories in the 1870’s.
Based on the makers stamp I’d date this razor 1845 – 1855. I love the coffin even in its poor condition. It reads. ‘The Army Razor for durability and expeditious shaving in barrack or camp’.

Congrats, thats a nice solid looking razor blade, scales not fantastic, but look surprisingly solid.

Originally Posted by alpla444

Congrats, thats a nice solid looking razor blade, scales not fantastic, but look surprisingly solid.

The back scale is honey horn and installed backwards. I guess it worked for someone.

Two left scales. Nice! I would assume that the black side is original. Are you going to try to keep it and make a new one for the back?

That's a good looking blade too. Should be a fairly easy restoration.

Originally Posted by BeJay

Two left scales. Nice! I would assume that the black side is original. Are you going to try to keep it and make a new one for the back?

That's a good looking blade too. Should be a fairly easy restoration.

I'll copy the black horn scale which I think is the original and make a new set.

I love mismatched scales from days gone by. I have had a couple and try to keep them if they are well done. I can appreciate why you have new scales in the works.

Nice, Karl! A sweet-looking blade!

I DO appreciate your investigating and sharing of the history here!
You mentioned Neil. He could come up with some gems. And shared them.
Thanks for doing him proud!

That's a solid built razor that looks all of its age and wears it well.
Do it justice Karl! Know you can..
Looking forward to the results.
Cheers.

Sweet razor and thanks for the bit of history, I always appreciate the history