Thread: George Wostenholm & Sons Awesome Etching

I recently won this razor in an ebay auction and the pictures were extremely dark and kind of far away so I definitely took a bit of a gamble on this razor but when it came today in the mail I was pleasantly surprised. Measuring in at a solid 7/8 at the widest point this beast is heavy. The best part is that its etching is 95% intact and will definitely shine up nicely after some polishing. The etching reads "GEO WOSTENHOLM & SONS SUPER SUPER EXTRA IXL RAZOR MADE EXPRESSLY FOR AMERICA" and the front of the is faded and intact and reads "IXL George Wostenholm & Sons Celebrated IXL Razor IXL". The back of the scales is cracked at both pins but the important side is in good shape. I tried to take some decent pictures but the etching is hard to capture in its present condition. Can't wait to do some minor restoration and hone it up .

Nice catch, I'm sure you know, but in case you don't .... IXL signifies "I excell."

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Nice catch, I'm sure you know, but in case you don't .... IXL signifies "I excell."

Man, never realized.



We need an IXL emoticon!!!!!!

Thats a sweet one, great find! Enjoy! post your progress.

I put that up there with some of the best etchings I've seen on a razor! Very cool blade!

As I understand it, IXL was also given when the maker achieved a certain proficiency in making the razors. Wostenholm ordained his son with this when his skill set was mastered.

Finally got this one restored. I'll let the pics speak for themselves and post a few more when it comes in the mail.

Custom Rescales Gallery | Maggard Razors - Straight Razor Restoration, Custom Scales and Wet Shaving Products

Does IXL really mean, "I Excel?" This is interesting.

Originally Posted by MuskieMan33

Does IXL really mean, "I Excel?" This is interesting.

Yes it does- it was an early trademark awarded to old man wostey early on in his career. I believe the 'I*XL' mark has been around in one form or another since the late 17th century if I'm not mistaken.

Similarly jos. Allen used NON*XL which may have raised confusion among those who were illiterate way back when- possibly giving the impression a jos. Allen was a wostey to the unknowing...

Additionally in WWI era, W&B made knives under the marking IXD - or "I exceed" which was a similar concept.

Nice razor btw- the etching defiantly sets it apart.

I have one with the exact same etching. "Made expressly for america" it's a fabulous shaver. Nice score.