Thread: My new 100+ yr. old Wosty

Got this one off the bay a couple of weeks ago. Clear horn scales on a Washington Works G. Wostenholm. The first pic is how I got it. The last 4 are after clean-up. I soaked the scales in neatsfoot oil overnight then scrubbed them with a toothbrush. Some of the dirt got under the laminations, so there is some discoloration that will have to remain.

Goog

Very nice razor; I love those scales. Given the tail, I'd guess she's 1860's or 1870's; and she looks reground to me. Those old Wosty's sure are great shavers, so I hope you're able to get her up to speed soon.

Also, nice work on the cleanup.

Honed it up today and I'll try it out tomorrow morning. What about it looks reground? The french point?

Goog

The point could be redone, I'm not sure. I thought regrind based on the different shoulders (double on back, single on front) and also just that she appears so hollow. As far as I know, there was no full hollow grinding back when that blade was made.

That thought occurred to me as well (hollow ground). I would think that hollowing out the blade would be more work than it's worth, though.

Goog

I have a feeling the old regrinds were done by the actual manufacturers, but whoever did them, all the old regrinds I have seen have been really well done. Lots and lots of old blades were reground, as it removes hone wear (which some may find ugly), reduces the maintenance required for the blade, and also lets you have a new point (most regrinds that I have seen have a stylized point). When the regrinding was going on, quarter hollows were considered antiquated technology.