Unknown Straight Razor

**spanner_allan** · 02-03-2012, 05:07 AM

Hi everyone, i am a complete newbie to the straight razor world which is basically why i am putting out this thread. i am doing a university project and had to choose an object from a museum that i was to then create an elaborate story from, my object was indeed a straight razor, however, the museum i visited had no information whatsoever regarding the razor and therefore my story is lacking a bit.

its a long shot but i was wandering if anyone could help me identify the razor from this fairly poor but nonetheless present image showing the razor. i need information such as the era, material, handle material, where it was man etc. the blade in the foreground is much clearer though if anyone has more information on the one further away any help would be appreciated

http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/39/img0142oj.jpg/

Thanks again

**Nobody** · 02-03-2012, 05:14 AM

You will probably need to examine them more closely for makers marks, etc., to make identification possible.

**spanner_allan** · 02-03-2012, 05:16 AM

i went back to the museum today to ask if they had anymore information regarding it or whether i could examine it more closely but unfortunately the lady told me that it had moved to another museum. Needless to say she wasnt any help at all

**Luc** · 02-03-2012, 05:19 AM

Without a close up on either the logo and/or maker, it's almost impossible to identify a straight razor

**gash** · 02-03-2012, 05:35 AM

With regard to the razor in the back, the thinness of the scales (handle) and the shape of the blade remind me of Torrey brand razors. That's just a wild guess, though.

**spanner_allan** · 02-03-2012, 05:38 AM

a wild guess is enough for me, just need somewhere to start/research

**Mike H** · 02-03-2012, 06:02 AM

The cardboard razor box is designed to hold two razors (Double Coffin Razor Box). There is also a leather strop in the photo. Both razors appear to be black horn and both razors appear to be wedge grinds. I would propose to date the razors 1860-1880 but without seeing the stamp it could be later, up to 1900. I would also guess they were made in Sheffield England. A popular brand from this time period is Wade and Butcher. There are many others, without the ability to read the tang, it is impossible to know. They could also be made in American, or Solingen, Germany.

If your looking for a razor with a bit more provenance, check out this one
http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/a...d=A20040292019

**hig789** · 02-03-2012, 06:10 AM

The front one is a half hallow.

**spanner_allan** · 02-03-2012, 06:24 AM

Originally Posted by Mike H

The cardboard razor box is designed to hold two razors (Double Coffin Razor Box). There is also a leather strop in the photo. Both razors appear to be black horn and both razors appear to be wedge grinds. I would propose to date the razors 1860-1880 but without seeing the stamp it could be later, up to 1900. I would also guess they were made in Sheffield England. A popular brand from this time period is Wade and Butcher. There are many others, without the ability to read the tang, it is impossible to know. They could also be made in American, or Solingen, Germany.

If your looking for a razor with a bit more provenance, check out this one
http://www.nasm.si.edu/collections/a...d=A20040292019

Excellent stuff thank you very much everyone for your help all of this information is helping my research more and more. the Wade and Butcher theory at the moment seems the most likely as the razor in question was found in Lincoln so not far away. is there anything in particular that can help identify the year with regards to shape etc.