Thread: Masonic John Barber & Joseph Rodgers & sons.

So today I went to Leevalley to pick up some wet/dry sandpaper and a tagua nut for wedges. I decided to stop by one of the antique malls I hadn't been to in a while, and im glad I did.

I found a John Barber masonic that's in really great shape. Its 13/16 and has very little hone ware. Its a very heavy blade, not sure what you would call the grind. I've done some research on here about it and, believe it or not, this blade dates back to, about, 1830. Wow!! For $9.00, I'd say that's fantastic!!!

The second blade is a 6/8 Joseph Rodgers & sons. This blade is also in great shape with little hone ware. Also a heavier blade. This one I paid $24 for, which is also fantastic!!!

Both razors I will be doing a full restore on, the scales on both are in bad shape. Just wondering about the John Barber, 180 years ago, what would the scale have been made of right off the factory floor??? Id love to do this one as close to what it would have looked like on its birthday.

Check out http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...d-shavers.html for some ideas of what the scales may have looked like.

GREAT SCORE!!

Nice score.
My old J Barber had black buffalo horn scales. Pretty standard for the vintage.

Oh I forgot, that "square and compasses" was Barber's mark.

There may or may not have been a Masonic attachment to the mark, but I'm thinking not as it was and is frowned upon to use masonic affiliation for personal gain.

Still a WAY COOL razor and that Rodgers will hone up and shave VERY nicely.

Thats a Great find for use, and please post pic after the restoration.

Originally Posted by Martin103

Thats a Great find for use, and please post pic after the restoration.

I will for sure.

Here's an update on that John Barber. decided to go with bone. I also filed some washers to mimic some I've seen on razors from that period. I also had an old lead wedge that looks like it might fit perfect.

Is that john barber a 6/8 or a 7/8? It's in great shape!

Originally Posted by Wullie

Oh I forgot, that "square and compasses" was Barber's mark.

There may or may not have been a Masonic attachment to the mark, but I'm thinking not as it was and is frowned upon to use masonic affiliation for personal gain.

The man who made John barber razors was a mason.

Its 13/16 at its widest point. There's barley any evidence of hone ware. I cant wait to get this one shaving again. I do most my restores at my work shop. I never have time to go back to work on weekends to do my restores.