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 Original and Only Genuine Pipe Razor Manufactured Solely byWOSTENHOLM & SON , Sheffield\"
This Razor: This is a nice pre-tariff 19th century full hollow cutthroat straight razor manufactured by therenowned Sheffield cutler, Wostenholm & Son. It measures 5/8ths of an inch wide and sports a hollow grind that was truly state of the art for the period. It has a no-nonsense square tipped blade and nice grippy jimps on the underside of the tang which provide enhanced control in detailing and edging when in use.The tang is deeply stamped with Wostenholm\'s Pipe Emblem on the front and on the reverse tang is stamped with the declaration of Wostenholm\'s stature of the creators of the original Pipe razor.This razor ships with a nice period-appropriate coffin box.
George Wostenholm was one of the truly legendary Sheffield razor manufacturers and the enduring quality of his blades even now remains unquestioned. The image of the pipe represents comfort and good-living for a 19th-century gentleman.
The Work:I refurbished this blade by unpinning it, removing all rust, polishing it to a nice sheen. Some pitting remains. Please scrutinize the photos for details. I sanded and polished the original horn scales and re-pinned them with its original collars. There are a few dings in the scales which would not sand out. I retained the original lead wedge for historical continuity. I also added brass pivot washers to enhance its already impressive longevity. This blade is 130+ years old and still going strong, ready to serve several more generations!
This razor has a nice natural, nimble feel in the hand and it glides smoothly on the face. There\'s good reason these Wostenholm razors have a loyal following.
I honed this razor with great care, as I would for my own razors I use for personal daily usethis razor was honed with the following progression with one layer of tape to protect the spine:
Shapton Kuromaku Ceramic 2kShapton Kuromaku Ceramic 5kSeuhiro KousekiMaruka Narutaki AsagiVintage Scottish Linen Fire Hose StropTony Miller Rough Out StropTony 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. I taught myself to refurbish antique straight razors, utilizing my background in jewelry and sculpture in learning 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 blademaker so that I may bring them back to life for you, my customer.