Info on Joseph Elliot "Fine India Steel" "Universally Approved Celebrated Razor"

[Axel K]

I'm totally new to straights, and picked this up at an antique shop for $12 this past weekend because it looked interesting and was reasonably priced (or so I thought). I couldn't find any info searching here or on Google, so I'm making a post. Anyone have any info?

If it's not anything incredibly rare or valuable I'd like to try my hand at restoring it.

 

[Mike H]

Interesting that Sheffield is not marked on the blade. Although not "incredibly rare", it is a very nice razor. It would, IMO, be worth a professional restoration. However, as long as you keep away from power tools, you should be good to go on doing the restoration youself. Congratulations.

ELLIOT, JOSEPH
Sheffield
Trademark: C reversed and C, with cross between
1821-1854 ("More Old Razors" by Lummus. Antiques, May 1927 p.372-374)

 

[Axel K]

Thanks for all the info! I really enjoy working on delicate/intricate tasks with my hands, so I was going to keep restoration methods to high grit paper and polishing compound. Do you think the scales are original? They are really thick, uneven, and honestly quite ugly.

 

[Wullie]

NICE razor and a great price!

I don't think the scales are "original" to the razor, but they look as if they've been on it for quite a while.

I'd think some blond horn of the period style would make that razor even more stunning if you wanted to go that far.

The wood scales certainly give it character and make me think that whoever had them put on there meant to keep on using that beauty back in the day.

 

[Axel K]

I'd think some blond horn of the period style would make that razor even more stunning

Ooo I really like that idea. I'll have to find a place to source scales. Thanks for the insight and suggestion!

 

[Doc226]

Very nice razor, I love the spine work on it.

 

[robellison01]

I like it, a lot!

My Joseph Elliot wedge is a great shaver. Clean it up, get it in some horn scales and hone it!

 

[jpcwon]

Nice Razor!! Looks like it'll clean up very well!

 

[Axel K]

I started polishing it last night - 220 (in the rough spots), 320, 400, 600, and 1000. I'm going to hit it with 1200 today, but I need to go to an auto parts shop for higher grits. What's the best easily obtained polishing compound for when I'm ready to take a rag to it?

Since I'm totally new to restoration work, I have no idea where to find 'blonde' horn scale blanks. After digging through the restoration forum here, I've found some sources on eBay that are Ram or Buffalo Ox horn, but is that what you all had in mind? And is eBay the place to get it?

 

[Axel K]

User jpcwon helped me out and pointed me in the direction of an ebay seller, I just bought these:

(color may vary slightly)

 

[global_dev]

Nice, cant wait to see finished razor

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

Nice find at a bargain price! Looking forward to the post restoration pictures, those horn scales would look great on it.

 

[jpcwon]

Glad I could be of assistance!

 

[Axel K]

Here's my progress so far. I got up to 1200 grit, then used polishing compound and a microfiber cloth. I'd like to get it a little brighter, but I live in the boonies and couldn't justify driving an hour for a packet of sandpaper. I'll pick some up this weekend.

 

[jpcwon]

WoW!! Looks awesome!! Great work...can't wait to see it with the new scales

 

[tomjr]

looking good.

 

[Dacol]

Nice, Looking forward to the pictures of the end result!

 

[gimpochin]

You done good

 

[Axel K]

Thanks for the compliments everyone! The scales shipped yesterday, I'll put some pictures up as soon as I get them on.

 

[honed]

Good job!

Joseph Elliot is for some reason my favorite Sheffield maker. This should turn out to be a fantastic shaver me thinks