"Backwood" blade cheking some things off my list

Well that's how it was listed on ebay...Did a little digging and its a Packwood with a bad P stamp. Most I could find out about them was they were made in Sheffield in the 1800's and people who have them think they shave really nicely. I'd been looking for a spanish point and a heavier grind to try, so I took a bit of a chance on this one (I'm also a sucker for file work on the spine). The listing only had three photos - left/right with blade open and a close-up of the tang stamp. Handle would clearly need to go, but the blade looked like it might be ok. I couldn't really see the grind, but it appeared to be stouter than a normal hollow. I paid a little more than I was hoping as I got into a bit of a tussle in the last minute and was able to time the last second snipe correctly (if that was anyone on SRP - sorry). Still not unhappy with what I paid. It came in yesterday and like I suspected, the scales were ummm...functional. But, they looked like they were carved out of a redwood fence post with a hatchet. They were one piece, but had a pin in the wedge end :thinking: One side of the pivot pin had the one and only collar and the saw they used to cut the space for the blade had to have had less than 8 teeth per inch. The pins were copper which seems a bit uncommon. The blade though was in good condition and has just a hint of a hollow grind. Some light rust and a tiny chip at the edge that should hone out. The bade is a touch under 13/16 at the heel and a touch over 13/16 at the toe and has a fairly even bevel - So my risk worked out :y My plan for this one is to get it apart enough to stop any active rust and then get back to a couple others I'm in the middle of. Not sure if I want to do this one in more of a period style or do something a little different. I've got a couple of scale and wedge materials I'd like to try out. With the weight of this blade I'll probably stick with lead. See what I'm in the mood for when I get to it. If anyone knows anything about Packwood razors I'd love to hear it.

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Go period, for sure, those collars are awesome, and that blade doesn’t need too much work coming considering it’s age. Nice acquisition.

Thanks, unfortunately the collar in the picture is the only one. I'll have to pick up some replacements. Got a link to an SRP member from an earlier post that sells some on ebay. So should be ok.

I might be inclined to keep those old homemade scales, with some alterations to make them more functional, but keep them old at the same time. Those make shift scales are likely very very old too.

I'm with Rez on that. If you can save the scales and thin and reshape It could turn out to be a nice set for the blade. Or another blade someday. Or, dig up some bone or horn. The blade is going to need a little work but not too bad. I think you did well. I've heard the name Packwood but don't own one. Its a personal thing but I feel an old blade doesn't need to look new and shiny. Nothing wrong with showing a little of its age.

I'll probably hang on to them, they're part of the razors history. Maybe someone just working with what they had to make it functional. They're thick enough that it actually helps the balance and now that I think about it redwood resists moisture pretty well. There is actually a thin layer of some type of finish on the outside, the inner cut is raw wood. The condition of the blade suggests someone took care of it, but the scales are so... well it's good enough to work. Wish I new the story of it's life, might be pretty interesting.

Retaining a taste of the blades age is where I'm planning to go. Don't want full bling for this one. I'll stop when it gets to restored, not new or better than new. Hadn't really thought about re-working the original scales...that's an interesting thought. I'll mull that over, could happen.

The scales look hand carved and they cut it with a handsaw by the looks. Austin definitely makes collars that very similar to the one your razor.

Yes, Austin. That's the link I got. Was a little lazy with the post and didn't go find it. Re-working the redwood is growing (there's a pun in there) on me. Not sure if it would be good though due to the open grain and being a soft wood. If I thin it, good chance it'll break not bend. I've seen some beautiful finishes on it though. I'm thinking it would need to be two piece. I've got time to give to this so...like the ideas.

You can find some info here https://sharprazorpalace.com/razors/...d-mystery.html and by typing in Packwood in the search box.

Bob

Great link! That's the most info I've found anywhere. Fascinating reading, makes me want to get this one up and running even more. Search box :gaah:used it to find so much info here before, don't know why my brain didn't go there for Packwood.

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Originally Posted by JellyJar

Great link! That's the most info I've found anywhere. Fascinating reading, makes me want to get this one up and running even more. Search box :gaah:used it to find so much info here before, don't know why my brain didn't go there for Packwood.

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No worries, using the Search Box is an easy one to forget. Don't ask me how I know that.

Bob

Yeah, I rarely use it. I hunt n search, then get that....duh, moment. Ah yeah !! The search box. :banghead:

BTW. That's a fine specimen of a Packwood, ya got there.
Restored one some time back, was in a bit more dismay, than yours, by far. Great shavers, once honed properly.

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That's a beauty, you did well.

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Originally Posted by JellyJar

Well that's how it was listed on ebay...Did a little digging and its a Packwood with a bad P stamp. Most I could find out about them was they were made in Sheffield in the 1800's and people who have them think they shave really nicely. I'd been looking for a spanish point and a heavier grind to try, so I took a bit of a chance on this one (I'm also a sucker for file work on the spine). The listing only had three photos - left/right with blade open and a close-up of the tang stamp. Handle would clearly need to go, but the blade looked like it might be ok. I couldn't really see the grind, but it appeared to be stouter than a normal hollow. I paid a little more than I was hoping as I got into a bit of a tussle in the last minute and was able to time the last second snipe correctly (if that was anyone on SRP - sorry). Still not unhappy with what I paid. It came in yesterday and like I suspected, the scales were ummm...functional. But, they looked like they were carved out of a redwood fence post with a hatchet. They were one piece, but had a pin in the wedge end :thinking: One side of the pivot pin had the one and only collar and the saw they used to cut the space for the blade had to have had less than 8 teeth per inch. The pins were copper which seems a bit uncommon. The blade though was in good condition and has just a hint of a hollow grind. Some light rust and a tiny chip at the edge that should hone out. The bade is a touch under 13/16 at the heel and a touch over 13/16 at the toe and has a fairly even bevel - So my risk worked out :y My plan for this one is to get it apart enough to stop any active rust and then get back to a couple others I'm in the middle of. Not sure if I want to do this one in more of a period style or do something a little different. I've got a couple of scale and wedge materials I'd like to try out. With the weight of this blade I'll probably stick with lead. See what I'm in the mood for when I get to it. If anyone knows anything about Packwood razors I'd love to hear it.

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Yes, Austin makes a great replacement collar, like that.

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Just my two cents, the blade still has what appears to be its original finish so if it were in my hands I'd just get the grunge off and do a light polish while trying to preserve the finish. The scales I would throw away and remake to period shape out of horn, but that's just me.