George WostenHolm & Sons Thread

This thread is dedicated to showing off your George Wostenholm & Sons Razors.

I have several, and feel they are top notch quality Old Razors.
Here is one that just came in today, for a song. I don't know how old it is, But it looks old enough. It measures 15/16th inch, and hasn't been cleaned up yet, or honed.

Razor- George Wostenholm & Sons, Celebrated I.X.L. Razor. Washington Works Sheffield.
Mother of Pearl inlay, Horn Scales.

 

That is a beauty - nice score!

 

I've owned a few.
Most Wostys are truly fine examples of the quality produced by the Sheffield makers.

Here are a variety of razors produced by George Wostenholm & Son that I have (or have had) the pleasure of owning...

This 7/8" hollow-ground SqPt 'Pipe' razor is probably my favorite all-time razor. Restored with new feather black horn scales...


Another 7/8" Wosty, this one a 'celebrated IXL' — original black horn scales & hardware...great shaver.....


'Washington Works' Celebrated IXL—a rare French-point Wosty...


Another 'Pipe' 6/8" round point with bone scales...


6/8" SqPt with beveled spine...


5/8 " Wedge & 5/8" IXLs





Frame Backs: George Wostenholm produced a variety....








A variety of Wosteholms that currently reside in the 'to be restored' queue...





This rare 8/8" Wosty was a steal for $22...but regrettably the large blade cracked during cleanup...

 

I have at least a dozen, but I just can't seem to be able to find the pictures

 

I got this one a few weeks ago.

I have it in pending status.

 

How much should one of these cost? I saw 2 today

 

Depends mainly upon two factors: condition and rarity. There are plenty of well-worn 5/8" size wostys to be found on eBay that often can be had for less than $40. But one needs to be careful: Many of these razors are over-honed or suffering from a bad case of rust. This may impact the actual use (and value) of the razor as an actual shaving instrument.

 

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Condition, and rarity, are big. I don't know how rare mine is(the one I just posted), but it's Big, Old, and Heavy.
I do know that if you are willing to put a little work, into cleaning it up, you can save a lot.

 

Very nice looking. If you can talk them down some, even better.

 

Agreed. $35 isn't ridiculous...but $25-30 is even better.

 

Another nice thread that prompted me to go through the straight razor drawers. I found five Wosty's.
Two Pipe razors.

An old Spanish Point that needs lots of work. I believe that they are bone scales, but haven't spent much time examining them.

The first of two faux frame backs that I love the looks of.

The last one is probably my oldest one and one of my coolest old straights. The lettering on the blade doesn't show up well in the picture, but this must have been a gorgeous razor when it was new.

I have a lot of razors in the restoration queue, but am waiting for Kevin to start offer restoration classes

 

30 is probably within what they will accept. I doubt 25 though. When he first got this it was at 48 and has been slowly falling.

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$30 is a fair price....

 

I'd pay $30.00 for it.

 

My "Wosty" made it's way to Korea via Kevin @HolyRollah , his picture is much better than mine.

 

This is one of mine that I found in a PA antique store and re-honed on a 4000/8000 Norton Waterstone. What can be used to remove the patina safely?

 

Let me first say, welcome to The Shave Den. Ease over to The Welcome Center, and introduce yourself.

Now, the easy way is a buffing wheel and compounds, on a bench mounted buffer.
But, I've used Wet/Dry sandpaper with water or mineral oil, to get the look. Start at 220 or 400, and progress to 1500-2000. Same for the scales, but only water.

 

Wostenholm pipe razor. I made wooden scales for it and restored the blade. After honing, it shaves excellent.