Thread: T.R. Cadman & Sons - Bengall

Hello all,

Let me start by saying I know nothing about straight razors.
I am researching my family tree and have an intriguing Great Uncle Called John (Jack) Grant, who seemed to have a mysterious past that he kept secret from the family.

My uncle has sent me this T.R. Cadman & Sons Bengall straight razor owned by Jack with a different name engraved on it.

I was hoping an expert could help shed some light on this razor as the engraving says:

"Made expressly for
Tom Grant
Cunnamulla".

Followed by a flower engraving and "BENGALL".

(Cunnamulla is a place in Queensland, Australia).

The other side says:

"T.R. Cadman & Sons
Sheffield, England"


Did people order these from England and have them shipped specially?
Can the razor be dated based on the detailing? It has a small flower-like design.

I apologise for the photos not being very sharp, I'm bad at photography! lol.

Welcome to SRP.
Cadmans exported plenty of razors downunder. Some were stamped for various importers like JNO Baker who used to be in Hunter street in the late 1800's.
I can't say I've seen any made for individuals but maybe Tom Grant was a barber or reseller ?
The razor can be dated to be post 1890 by if it has "England" stamped on the tang. The square point is uncommon.

Is that a crack in the middle of the blade?

Omnimaru, Thank you for your information. The date helps and the suggestion that it might have been made for a business seems likely.


gnolis, There is no crack in the blade, but there are still areas of rust that my uncle did not manage to clean off.
I am afraid to clean it further because I don't know what to use - Any suggestions?

Thanks!

That darker line in the discoloration does look like one. But if it isn't, I heard Bengalls are superb blades. Enjoy.

Originally Posted by Falafels

I am afraid to clean it further because I don't know what to use - Any suggestions?

Safest approach is some "Autosol" & a lot of elbow grease but there are some tutorials in the library on "handsanding". Just don't start with 80 grit on that one. Hand sanding a blade - Straight Razor Place Wiki

That small dark line at the middle of the edge sure looks like a crack but sometimes a line of pitting will give that illusion too. Always hard to tell with pics.

Originally Posted by onimaru55

Safest approach is some "Autosol" & a lot of elbow grease but there are some tutorials in the library on "handsanding". Just don't start with 80 grit on that one. Hand sanding a blade - Straight Razor Place Wiki

+1 to buffing with autosol or other polishing compounds. It doesn't look like there's much rust, I'd buff it first and see how it turns out, you can always sand it later if needed.