When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
The Razor: This is a gorgeous early-ish 19th century (1830s or 1840s) straight razor manufactured by Sheffield cutler James Johnson. It measures slightly wider than 11/16ths of an inch at its widest point, with an early-style wide-notched tip on the toe. The blade has a wedge to quarter-hollow grind, and the newly crafted scales were made from a custom-poured block of stunning multi-colored "Bourbon Street" Acrylester. As one would expect with a 180+ year old item, there remains some residual pitting on the blade, which does not impact its functionality. The tang stamp reads, "James Johnson, Cast Steel, Sheffield" with the word DULCE wrapped around in a semicircle. The generously bellied smiling edge matches its beautifully curved spine.
It has been restored, as described below.
The Work: I refurbished this blade by removing any rust and pitting as I could without endangering its lines and original essence, polishing it to a nice sheen. I made the new scales and re-affixed the blade using brass collars of contrasting sizes, brass pins and a clear wedge spacer. I also installed brass pivot washers to enhance this razor's already impressive longevity.
I honed this razor with great care, as I would for my own razors I use for personal daily use. It has been tested and sanitized.
This razor was honed with the following progression with two layers of tape to protect the spine and keep the bevel tight:
Shapton Kuromaku Ceramic 2k
Shapton Kuromaku Ceramic 5k
Seuhiro Kouseki 10k
Nakayama
Tony Miller Rough Out Strop
Tony Miller Fast Bridle Strop
My Story: I fell in love with vintage straight razors some years back when I became irritated with the exorbitant cost of disposable razor cartridges. Utilizing my background in jewelry and sculpture, I taught myself to refurbish antique straight razors, to make custom razor scales, to pin them properly, and, through great effort and dedication, have gained a reputation for nicely honed shaving edges. Each of these blades is a journey, with a history. A man's hands created it long ago to last for generations. You and I are part of those generations. I try to be sensitive and cognizant of the historical context of each razor, as well as the spirit and intentions of the original blade-maker so that I may bring them back to life for you, my customer.
FYI: any props used in photos (sharpening stones, rulers, etc.) are not for sale as part of this listing unless specifically detailed in the title and description sections of the listing
