Falling off the July BandWagon: the Perks

Since I failed to make it all the way through the month for "No Buy July," at the very least I can attempt to ease my shame and disgrace with a proper salve: More straight razors to restore!

The first one I picked up (the cause of the ruination of my perfect 'no purchasing' abstinence) was this old nearly 8/8" scalloped-spine Sheffield 'IXL' straight from George Wostenholm & Son,; circa 1850-1880.
I've not come across any Wostys with scalloping, especially not one of this size.


Not long after acquiring the big IXL, I picked up my first 'Tally Ho' Sheffield razor from Frederick Fenney; a hair under 8/8 wedge grind. circa 1833-1852. Interesting side note: C. T. Bingham bought the famous mark and razors continued to be manufactured with 'C. T. Bingham late F. Fenney' stamped on them. Bingham sold the Tally-Ho works in 1863, and George wostenholm bought the rights to the famous mark in 1864.


Also added to the mix recently: A Wostenholm IXL Washington Works (1848-1889) with the blade '…Etched in Gilt.' as the Wostenholm Cutlery guide from the late 1800s describes the model...


I finished restoring a similar razor last year. They make great shavers…..


Lastly I picked up a blade (sans scales) in need of some real help. An older blade shape from the George Wostenholm Washington Works (mid-1850s) with some wear and rust. This one will present more of a challenge, but a 3/4" Sheffield wedge should make a nice razor once restored.

 

Nice!

 

Knowing what you're able to do I have no doubt these razors will end up looking amazing

 

I like it better when you are off the wagon

 

I also fell off the wagon and I'm happy I did. Picked up a Gillette Red Tip in good condition for $5.00. Although I am a DE person I can appreciate the value of Vintage razors of all kinds.

 

Well get to restoring!

 

You gave it a good home!

 

Will do! Got a few ahead of them in the queue, however…...

 

sorry to hear you didn't make it thru NBJ kevin but you got some nice razors and are the master of your own universe!! no more feeling tied down if you find a good deal.

 

Beautiful razors! Can't wait to see them restored!

 

Hm. It looks less 'falling off the wagon' than 'deliberately stepped off because the opportunity was too good to miss out on'.
Excellent haul none the less!

 

Those are some very nice blades.

 

I believe he meant he can appreciate the value of all vintage razors, including the straight razors in this thread, despite being a DE person.

 

More than one IXL?

 

Those are some cool old razors, Kevin! Good job recognizing when it was time to jump off the wagon.

 

I have a number of the I•XLs—which was a common stamp on several models produced.

"In 1831, George Wostenholm was granted the mark he was to make famous - I•XL - a mark originally granted to William A.Smith at 29th June, 1787.
The I•XL letters are pronounced nearly the same as the statement, "I excell" (from the word "excellent")."— from "The History of George Wostenholm"
The record indicating the mark being issued/registered to Geo Wostenholme in 1831. The 'e' was dropped from the name as it became too long to fit on cutlery.

 

I believe a Gillette Red Tip is considered a double edge razor.

 

I believe you are correct in your belief....

 

Thank you for your support.