This beautiful razor was produced by Geo. Wostenholm & Son likely in their Washington Works factory which operated from 1847 - 1991.  

This Razor is engraved with "Gargoyle Marine Oils" on one blade face and "Vacuum Oil Companies, Rochester, USA" on the opposing blade face. Vacuum Oil Company was an American oil company known for their Gargoyle 600-W Steam Cylinder Oil founded by Matthew Ewing in 1866. Vacuum Oil was purchased by Standard Oil Co. in 1879, originated the Mobil trademark and in 1931 merged with Standard Oil Co of New York commonly known as Socony Oil to form Socony-Vacuum Oil Company. Socony-Vacuum Oil Company is now a part of ExxonMobil.

The blade face and spine were covered with heavy, active rust. We restored this razor to a high mirror polish and removed as much patina and pitting as possible to preserve the steel while keeping the historical value of the razors engraving intact. As depicted in the photos some of the patina and pitting remains.

The blade's grind quality is half hollow and has a cutting edge of 2 and 11/16 inches with a blade width of 9/16 inches. The razor's toe is round point, excellent for beginners as there are no sharp, square, pointed edges and has a lovely, subtle hump to the tang and sway in the spine. 

The scale set is celluloid and original to the razor as well as the black wedge.  All are held together with new brass pins and washers.

This and every razor will come very sharp, sterilized and shave ready. We love the aesthetic, engraving and history in this razors story.  IXL razors are loved for their wonderful edge retention and the smooth quality of their Sheffield steel. 

Happy shaving!