Another flea market find...it's an addiction

AntCaps

AntCaps

Joined
May 6, 2009
Messages
924
Hey guys,
I was at another flea market today and came across something I had to have. I'm positive I over paid but none the less I'd love to know any information you guys could give me. I've been searching google for a hole now but I can't seem to come up with an age and that's what I'd most like to know.
I'm positive the handle that's on it is not the original but that's about as much as I know.



There is a rust spot on the back that I'm debating hitting with some oil and steel wool but I want your guys opinions first
 
Since it just says Sheffield, and not England, it is pre-1890. It has the barbers notch which is desirable and also appears to be a sizable blade, which is what makes the W&Bs interesting. Though it does appear that there is a considerable frown, not desirable, that may need to be hone out which will decrease the width of the blade. As far as rust, go with sand paper. You don't want to put scratches in that will get hard to take out, so use the highest grit you have available and go from there. I have used 2000+ and gotten scratches out easily. Usually it helps to de-pin, especially to get the rust around that area.
 
It is a beefy blade which is what attracted me to it. It's close to 1/4 inch thick at the spine. It will be easy to remove the scales whoever put these ones on didn't peen on side so I should be able to knock the pin out without having damaging the scales. I plan on making some new scales anyways.
Thanks for the info JB
 
Those are terrific blades! You are correct that those are likely replacement scales. As far as removing the rust, it would be best to unpin the blade and sand it after removing rust with a brass brush or steel wool. The above post is correct, the blade is pre-1890 because it doesn't have "England" on the tang.
Have fun, and you are correct that it get addicting! I have four eBay finds on the way as I type this... Here is a recent restoration project I just finished:


If you plan on honing it for use, there is some grinding work you need to do before you start anything or you will have issues. If you are interested, PM me and I will be happy to help!!
 
That restoration is a beaut Ernie, and I'll be sure to let you know if I need some help.
I found a bit of a gold mine today there is a massive flea market by my girls place and it has about a third of it dedicated to antiques. One booth in particular has nothing but pipes and razors.
The cleaned up razors are a little pricey and not very well done but the ones they don't have on display are cheap and begging for some love.
 
The ones begging for love are the best! They are cheaper and you can restore them the right way:)
 
I was so excited last night I hit it with some very fine steel wool while running it under water and in seconds the majority of the rust was gone. I can see that there will be some pitting left behind once I'm done but I'm ok with that it's character and its 100 years plus old. I can't decide weather I want to put some dark scales on it I was thinking Peruvian walnut or if I want to go the other direction and use some very light coloured American beech I have.
 
Either would look great! Just make sure you seal the wood in some fashion since it will be getting wet:)
 
Here's my progress so far I hit it with 220 300 400 wet and 600 wet and I think it's as far as I'm going to go.
I took off more of the markings than I wanted to but I got all the rust off well maintaining the look of age I love.
I forgot to take a picture but the big rust spot on the back is gone except there is some pitting. I think I want to make the new scales out of black g10 with a very thin red liner and maybe nickel silver hardware.


 
Changed my mind and went with some Purple Heart iv never worked with this stuff before but I'm pretty happy with how the scales turned out.
 
Thanks Ernie, I'm pretty proud of this one I really wish I had mor than an upside down belt sander clamped to a table to use lol.
I can't wait to get another razor and try again.
 
It really gets addicting, be careful lol
I know it is tempting to stop at 600 grit because it leaves a nice satin finish but 1k and higher it more resistant to corrosion:thumbup:
 
I might go higher but I like that it still looks older and I didn't want to remove anymore of the markings. My dad is an auto body mechanic by trade and probably has some higher grit stuff somewhere. Maybe the next time I grab a razor I'll make sure it's nothing I think is special so I can practice.
 
Practicing on an old razor is a great idea! If your dad is a mechanic than he should have lots of higher grits- I got all the way to 2500 at a local auto parts store.
 
Hey guys scored another but I can't find anything on this one not even the manufacturer.

Any ideas.
 
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