Help educate me please

M

Mariekbbh

Joined
Nov 20, 2015
Messages
1
Hello-

I am in possession of an old straight razor. It was left by someone dear so I want to keep it safe. Yet it needs restoration, minimally cleaning, polishing and sharpening. I want to gift ti to the son of the owner. Here is what I can make out>>>

Wyeth Hardware Manufacturing Co, St Joseph, MO is near hinge. Trademark warrented is on blade. It has a black sheath.

Could someone assist me out there?

Thank you,

Marie
 
it is a rebranded razor for a hardware company, who made it could have been anyone.
 
style and materials might give an indication of the maker, but likely not. Be very careful with your polishing, as it is easy to wipe out some types of etching. Can you throw up a pic so we can see?

restoring a razor can be pretty delicate work, and not too many people do it well. Were you looking to find someone to restore it? What material or appearance are the scales (handle)? Some require additional care (artificial tortoise shell can chemically break down)
In the mean time, keep it clean, dry and fingerprint free and that will help prevent it from degrading.
 
Pictures would help a lot! I restore a lot of straight razors that I pick up from the bay, usually using the same process:
Start by unpinning it, and then progress through wet sanding starting at 600 grit (if no pitting is on the blade) and then going through 800-1000-1200-1500-2000. This will give a mirror finish that will sheet the water off the blade so it won't be as susceptible to corrosion. Avoid using power tools like a dremel because it is easy to damage the thin grinds on most razors and you also will ruin the etch and makers marks.
If you want more specific help feel free to PM or email me!
 
Pictures would definitely help.

It was common practice for companies (hardware co. In this case) to order razors in bulk from manufacturers and have their company name and logo stamped on the blade.

Like keychains or magnets today...

Germany (solingen) was a very common distributer of said blades, but that is not to say it wasn't made in the US or England. It was only just before the turn of the century (1880's-90's) that country of origin stamps started becoming mandatory...

A little history on the company:
http://fishinghistory.blogspot.com/2011/04/52-trade-houses-part-2-wyeth-hardware.html?m=1

Good luck finding someone to restore it...
 
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