Thread: Shaving with an antique razor

Hello,

Finding this forum has been great. Once I run out of or low on blades for my Mach 3, I'm going to take the plunge and get a straight razor and the things needed to keep it working right.

Now, I really want to use an antique razor if possible. Goes with my liking for older cars and bikes, and writing with a fountain pen whenever possible.

I can't claim to be an expert on this, but have picked out a couple of likely-sounding brands. They are as follows:
Geneva Cutlery
Genco
Wade & Butcher
or anything made in Sheffield.

Whatever I buy will probably be supplemented with one of the started kits adverted on the well shaved gentleman site.

The Genevas and Gencos seem like good quality, US-made products, while the W&B are from an old English manufacturer. They made razors for many years, and it could be possible to buy one that's 200 years old, I think.

Are most antique razors carbon steel?

Also, is this even a good idea?

Any advice and suggestions would be appreciated.

Thank you,
-Bill

Geneva/Genco is a very good brand (they're the same company under a different name in a different period).

W&B are also very good, a very reliable old brand that is almost the canonical straight razor, especially the old barber-notch "Celebrated" razors.

Even the very old W&B's shave very well. Yes, they used high carbon steel. I've got one that I think is from the 1830's that is a very good razor and my favorite W&B.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Geneva/Genco is a very good brand (they're the same company under a different name in a different period).

W&B are also very good, a very reliable old brand that is almost the canonical straight razor, especially the old barber-notch "Celebrated" razors.

Even the very old W&B's shave very well. Yes, they used high carbon steel. I've got one that I think is from the 1830's that is a very good razor and my favorite W&B.

Ok, what would you consider a reasonable amount of money to pay for one in good, usable condition? I'm not expecting it to be shave ready, just in such condition that it could be made that way. I'm looking for a plain, workhorse-type antique, in those brands if possible. No commemorative editions or anything like that. Something I can use without any guilt.

Thank you,
-Bill

Gencos are readily available in very good condition for < $30. W&B's are all over the map depending on condition and model. How much restoration are you up for? And do you want to jump right in to the deep end of the pool that early?

Your thinking is right on the money. You've been doing your homework.

X

Welcom Bill. Be sure to check out vintage razors from Bill Ellis at billysblades.com. Regardless of brand, you won't go wrong.

Good luck and enjoy!

Jordan

Even though I'm a big fan of Sheffield steel, I wouldn't want to sell Solingen short either. There are some great vintage brands that still don't cost an arm and a leg.. Some Boker models like the King Cutter are still available at decent prices, Clauberg's Tonsorial Gem is one of my best shavers, Eicker & Sohne Heartrings are amazing shavers, to name a few. With all that being said, my Genco is #2 or #3 best in my rotation and the W&B wedge is #5.

Genco's are excellent razors. My first razor was a Genco
that I bought from Lynn.

A little history....

GENEVA CUTLERY CO.
Geneva, New York
By 1912, the largest US manufacturer of razors. In 1928, firm reorganized as Geneva Cutlery Inc.
Used "GENCO" trademark
ca. 1902-1935

Case bought this company in late 1935 and continued
to manufacture razors under the Genco name until 1955.

More info on various razors...

http://www.uniclectica.com/misc/manuf.html

Hope this helps a little.....



Terry

Awhile back I posted a photo and a review of my old W&B here.

Originally Posted by wvbias

Genco's are excellent razors. My first razor was a Genco
that I bought from Lynn.

A little history....

GENEVA CUTLERY CO.
Geneva, New York
By 1912, the largest US manufacturer of razors. In 1928, firm reorganized as Geneva Cutlery Inc.
Used "GENCO" trademark
ca. 1902-1935

Case bought this company in late 1935 and continued
to manufacture razors under the Genco name until 1955.

More info on various razors...

http://www.uniclectica.com/misc/manuf.html

Hope this helps a little.....



Terry

my Genco says 'Genco' in large letters and then has 'Geneva NY' in small letters underneath the name.

I am currently rehandling it and fitting new pins as it's going to a friend as a gift