Thread: Grandad's old razors

I managed to find my grandfather's old razors. I have no idea how he got them. He was German but lived in the middle of nowhere in northern Manitoba. He definitely seems to have sharpened them on something rough at least a few times. Not in perfect shape, but they are a farmer's old razors. I'd imagine they cut through quite a bit of hair and grime in their day. They are all stamped Sheffield, so maybe he got them in England when he went over for the first war? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'd like to either get them up to shaving condition, or at least polish and preserve them. One definitely needs new scales.

Geoff witha J

A James Barber:

A Bengall

and a Roxo

I'd say you would have a fine rotation there if you got them up to speed. In spite of the wear they look good enough to at least have pro honed. Or if you're able, all the better. Having Grandfather's razors to shave with is priceless after all. I imagine Neil Miller will be able to give you the lowdown on those and manah as well of course.

Some interesting threads that are connected with James Barber:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-razor-id.html
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...nd-forged.html

And Bengall, Thomas Radley Cadman, Sheffield,
Marsh Brothers & Co.

Wow, thanks for the info! That's good stuff.

[QUOTE=GeoffwithaJ;1006562]I managed to find my grandfather's old razors. I have no idea how he got them. He was German but lived in the middle of nowhere in northern Manitoba. He definitely seems to have sharpened them on something rough at least a few times. Not in perfect shape, but they are a farmer's old razors. I'd imagine they cut through quite a bit of hair and grime in their day. They are all stamped Sheffield, so maybe he got them in England when he went over for the first war? Any thoughts would be appreciated. I'd like to either get them up to shaving condition, or at least polish and preserve them. One definitely needs new scales.

Geoff witha J

A James Barber:



Thank you to the orginal poster and those that helped provide more informtion on James Barber The Golden Era razor. I too have just aquired my grandfather's razor, the exact same in the photos above and was trying to trace its history. My grandfather was born in the 1910's or there abouts, so I am missing a lot of the razor's family history. All that said, it's great to learn about James Barber and Sheffiend Hallow Ground. These days my father is a grandparent, who will soon turn 80. I'm hoping to have my razor restored and had hope I could send it to Shieffield (from Ireland) to do so, particurally to get the box replaced as it's too far perished. Any advice is welcome but either way, thank you for helping the orignal poster.

I doubt you'll get a reply from him.

The post is from 2012. But that's ok, we're all guilty of doing it.

But so cool to have family heirlooms.

It's all good I had been looking to have it refurblished but after a bit of research, I've decided it's a task I'm able for myself. I had been thinking of replacing the box, as it in near tatters. However, it functions and adds character. I'll take some photos and see how things go. Perhaps document my progress in a new thread.

Good luck with the restoration. That etch is very fragile so be careful with it. There are several threads around with good info on tools and technique.