Thread: Has anyone heard of a 1090 brand or marking on a razor?

I wandered down to a junk shop at lunchtime that I heard had some straights and I managed to pick up a matched pair of straights. The only markings on them are "1090" and "Hollow Ground" They have a leather outer case and an inner case.

Looking at them, they are a quarter hollow at best. Perhaps even near wedge. They have bone scales that have a crack in one and a bit missing near the pivot of the other but they are quite stable. The blades are beautiful. About 11/16 in size and virtually no hone wear. They have polished metal wedges. I'd put them at around 1850ish.

Can't help with any info. but those are very nice! Great score!

Wow. Just wow.

yeah hollow ground didn't always mean what it means today
nice razors, john

The razors are beautiful but the fact that the storage (both!) is in such great condition and remained together all those years impresses me. This was a very cared for Gentleman's Set! You have acquired a very desirable set I believe. Enjoy them!

I know you didn't ask, but I've got to say it.

Don't restore them.

Don't polish them.

Don't try to fix the crack in the scales.

Keep them clean, keep them oiled, have them professionally honed and love them. I think that set is just absolutely beautiful just exactly as it is.

Looks like a couple good ones for Ernie ! LOL. Not really, two beautiful Blades that just need a lite cleaning IMHO, but then again you know what Ernie could do with them, enjoy that great find Sir !

How long have they been grading steel with grades like 1090? Possibly marked to show off such a nice steel for the time?

Originally Posted by Timedwards

How long have they been grading steel with grades like 1090? Possibly marked to show off such a nice steel for the time?

Great score! I think that's fairly new, early 20th century. I remember reading that the steel for M-1 Rifle receivers was 4140 chrome moly, and the M-1 entered service in 1936.