Description
This 5/8 razor of Kayser Ellison silver steel bears the blade marking “English Razor” with a satin finish. The faux horn scales are of composite, probably celluloid and have a third pin for additional stability. The blade has a plain spine, jimping to the lower tang and fluting to the sides of the upper tang. An attractive razor in really excellent condition.
This razor was made from Silver Steel produced by Sheffield company Kayser Ellison but would have been made for some other manufacturer or for sale by an independent retailer. The razor is a full hollow with a blade marking of “English Razor” with arrow heads either side of the words. It has jimping to the lower tang, and fluting to the sides of the upper tang. The tang itself bears the legend “Made from Kayser Ellison & Co’s Best Sheffield Silver Steel” on one side.
The company Keyser, Ellison and Co was created in 1893 following the dissolution of the partnership between Charles William Kayser, Joseph Bramhall Ellison, and Simeon Hayes. They operated at the Carlisle Works in Sheffield and later at the larger Darnell works. The company produced steel throughout the war and inter-war years producing munitions as well as steel for cutlery and razors, continuing throughout the 20th century. They became Sanderson Keyser in 1960 after a merger with Sanderson Brothers and Newbould. They were one of only a few companies who were not subject to nationalisation and continued producing steel up until 2004 when they entered voluntary liquidation.
