Some of us have new production razors. Some of us have vintage straights, while some have a combination of both. I have been interested in some of the old fellas I see around, and would like to know more. I would like to see your oldest razors. Lets see who has the oldest razor. Now it doesn't count without pictures Any other added information on your ancient shavers would also be interesting. My oldest to date is not that old by most standards, but since I asked; it's only fitting I go first: A Sheffield razor from John Clarke & Son. This has three pins and the wedge and spacer are made of bone. The scales are made of guta percha. My best guess is late 1800's.
It says 'England', so it would be post McKinley Tarrif Act (1890) I just traded my chopper, an 8/8+ wedge Wostie. I believethat was my oldest one.
There are some stub tail razors floating around here posted by fellow members. Many of these date to the very early 1800s, particularly those simple soft steel 'shiv-like' models that have little distinction between blade and tang. I have several that date in the 1820 to 1830 range.
Top one is an Oxford warranted...With magnetic steel still etched on the blade. It's about 70-90 years old at a guess. They stopped production when the Nazis took the factory over. The bottom one is a mystery.(to me)
This is my my new H. Böker 5/8 straight razor. It was made in Germany sometime in the time frame of 1924-35. Restoration and honing by @HolyRollah.
My two that i think may be early 1800's Full pics are in my shave of the day posts. Both are still in use.
DID someone say "Stubtail"??? It still needs to be cleaned up. Very clean edge and little hone wear. W.Greaves & Sons 1816-1835
David, the style of blade (double-shouldered, hollow-ground) on the Higgins would place it more towards the mid to late 19th century.
Another Greaves & Sons stub tail (Early 19th century) Marshes & Shepherd wedge, circa 1825-30 A newer Marshes & Shepherd wedge, circa 1835-45 Frederick Fenney 'Tally Ho! 7/8 (circa 1835-1850)
The oldest that I have been able to document is my Millikin that was made between 1800-1805 in Dublin. I have another Broomhead that could be older, probably 1774-1800.
@HolyRollah How old is that Civil War razor? The one captured at Selma. It might have been in use before the Civil War?
Registered 1850; so the razor dates somewhere between that date and the date of the 'capture' (1865).
You guy's make me feel oh most ashamed of my newer razors, OH MOST. I have a Bismarck pre-Dovo that I found in antique shop. Then I have this Boker Tree 106 that was in an advertisement from 1906. Now all mine are from the 20th centenary but I am just starting out.
Bri Brian: Those horn scales really gleam. Are they original, or are the just the pins new? Either way and excellent restoration on that old fella
Non-original. Honey horn scales with new brass hardware. They replaced plain black scales (non-originals as well).
