Thread: George Brittain 9/8 straight razor

Originally Posted by gugi

They didn't - the regrind is most likely done much later.

Ah I think I misread the initial post that said GB was in business 1780 - 1840. It must have been referring to that style of blade, and not the years they were in business? When did George Brittain close their doors?

Originally Posted by manah

http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...ld-razors.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-brittain.html

That first one looks just like mine

Originally Posted by sheffieldlover

WOW! I am fascinated by the GB Anchor razor, I only have one, and can't believe I missed yours LOL but hey, great catch! I have one myself pictured below. Its a 9/8 bellied-hollow. I'm amazed they had the technology to create that grind at or before 1840.
Attachment 97721

All you need is a big grinding wheel and a steady hand. No special technology was used.
I have a lot of respect for the craftsmen of those days.

Originally Posted by sheffieldlover

Ah I think I misread the initial post that said GB was in business 1780 - 1840. It must have been referring to that style of blade, and not the years they were in business? When did George Brittain close their doors?

It doesn't mean it was reground by the original manufacturer. I'd assume that 1840 is correct. This one has the double concave grind from about half a century later. But the original blank when the manufacturer's stamp was placed is from the earlier half of 1800s.

That's all very interesting. I had just assumed that my razor came from the factory as a full hollow/bellied hollow. i had no idea that the blank may have been lying around for 50 years, before they decided to finish the blade.

I doubt there was much nostalgia for an 1840's item in 1900(ish) - regrinds were probably carried out simply to make old fashioned, undesirable wedges popular or 'useful' again - I may be totally wrong BTW

Originally Posted by EisenFaust

I doubt there was much nostalgia for an 1840's item in 1900(ish) - regrinds were probably carried out simply to make old fashioned, undesirable wedges popular or 'useful' again - I may be totally wrong BTW

I think you are dead on the mark.