PIF No. 28 (Worldwide) - Shave-ready ⅝ French Point T.R. Cadman "Bengall Imperial" (How long is a piece of string?)

[rbscebu]

Through the kind benevolence of @bald as to @Holiday to @Wilkshire13, this post-1924 T.R. Cadman & Sons Ltd "Bengall Imperial" is up for grabs. This is a more ornate specimen than the common army issued models normally available in Australia, with its engraving on the blade and peacock tail on the shank.

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Technical Details:

Maker = T.R. Cadman & Sons Ltd., Sheffield, England​

Model = Imperial Bengall​

Blade material = high carbon steel (Sheffield)​

Point style = French​

Grind = full hollow​

Blade width = 16mm (⅝)​

Bevel angle = 18.4°​

Blade thickness = 0.27mm at top of bevel​

Edge length = 73mm​

Stabilisers = one each side​

Jimps = bottom of shank​

Tail length = 21mm opened 270°​

Scales material = (faux?) ivory​

Pins = 2 of nickel alloy​

Wedge = tapered plastic​

Length closed = 163mm​

Mass = 46g​

Condition:

This straight razor is in used condition. The blade has been sanded and polished, although there are still some minor pockmarks on the face at the end of "....ll" and under the "m" (see photo). The spine shows a reasonable amount of wear for its age as this razor has obviously been used over many years. I have honed this razor (without tape) up to just before finishing. It will be finished on the winner's preferred medium. The options are -​

Finishing Whetstone	Keenness	Shave Comfort
Diamond pasted balsa	9/10	7/10
Hard black Arkansas	8/10	7/10
Unknown Kyoto Jnat	8/10	9/10
Coticule	7/10	7/10

Note: This razor is suitable for a beginner into the gentlemanly art or a more experienced SR shaver.​

Rules:

1. This PIF is open to members worldwide.​

2. You must have been a member of P&C on 12 May 2025.​

3. The winner is to pay postage within 72 hours of wining (see postal rates below).​

4. Entries closed 2359hrs UTC Monday 19 May 2025 (that's a Tuesday morning in AU).​

How to enter:

This PIF requires some skill. You need to determine how long is the following piece of string (to the nearest millimetre (mm)).​

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I have not measured the string but my guess is that it is somewhere between 100mm and 300mm (I could be wrong).​

To win this PIF, just post "I'm in" with your determination of the length of the string in millimetres (mm). [e.g., I'm in 155mm].​

If you find that this SR is not for you, all I ask is that you return the razor to me. I will then refresh the blade's edge and PIF it to another member.​

Postage Rates:

Australia = AU$1.40 delivered within 7 to 12 business days (no tracking)​

New Zealand = AU$18.30 (about NZ$19.95) delivered within 8 to 12 business days​

Asia/Pacific = AU$22.40 (about US$15.00) delivered within 10 to 18 business days​

US/Canada = AU$25.00 (about US$16.75) delivered within 6 to 10 business days​

Europe/UK & Brazil = AU$30.80 (about US$20.65 delivered within 6 to 10 business days​

Rest of world = AU$37.40 (about US$25.10) delivered within 15 to 25 business days​

 

[Ray]

I'm in
277mm

This looks very nice.

 

[rbscebu]

@Ray, it is very nice. If you miss out on this PIF, I have another (not as good) Bengall SR in line to be PIFed within about a month.

 

[Bicep123]

I'm in
255 mm

Very unique Bengall! You see the standard black scaled ones come up for sale often.

 

[bernie01]

I'm in 259mm

 

[rbscebu]

We have a WINNER.

Congratulation to @Ray with his calculated "guess" of 277mm. The measured length was 291mm.

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A PM will be sent to him shortly.

 

[Ray]

Thank you!
Looking forward to trying this out. I better source a nice case/box for it.

 

[Ray]

Thanks again for this beautiful Bengall Imperial straight razor .Thought I’d share some impressions after a few shaves for anyone curious about these vintage Sheffield razors.

First Impressions

Very lightweight, which I wasn't expecting but ended up really liking.

The blade has a really nice shine—simple but elegant.

The smaller size and lightness definitely change the feel in hand—more nimble and easier to maneuver.


Shave #1 – 4 Days Growth

Shaving Cream: Jack the Barber

Edge: Finished by rbscebu on a Jnat (Japanese natural stone)

The Jnat edge was super comfortable—felt really smooth on the face. What stood out most was the amount of feedback I got from the blade as it cut through the whiskers. Not harsh, just very responsive.

The french point made detailing around the upper lip and nose area much easier than the round point I’ve been using. No nicks or weepers at all. Chin area needed a bit more work and an extra pass to clean up the thicker hair, but overall, a really nice shave.


Shave #2 – 2 Days Growth

Soap: Proraso Green

Same Jnat edge

Still very comfortable—same great feedback through the blade. Another clean, nick-free shave. Again, the chin was the only spot that needed an extra ATG pass. But no irritation or tugging anywhere.


Shave #3 – 2 Days Growth
Soap: Proraso Green

Edge refreshed with pasted balsa strops: 0.25μm then 0.1μm

This was interesting—the shave felt different from the Jnat edge. Not quite as “soft” on the face, but definitely sharper and more efficient. The razor moved through the stubble faster, and I didn’t need any extra passes—not even on the chin.

It was one of the closest shaves I’ve ever had, and still zero nicks or cuts. Really impressed.


Final thoughts

This Bengall Imperial has been a joy to use. The lightweight/smaller blade size made it feel very agile and precise, especially for tight areas. The difference in edge feel between the Jnat and the pasted balsa was noticeable—both great in their own way.

If you come across one of these vintage Bengalls in good condition, I’d say grab it. It’s a reminder that quality craftsmanship doesn’t age.