Is "Diamondine" an edequate brand?

Hi Everyone,

I am currently shopping for my very first straight razor, and I put an ad on CraigsList looking for one. A gentleman has respodsed to me, offering to sell me one he has for a very nice price, and despite lacking any knowledge at all about judging razors, the photos he has provided me suggest the blade is in good shape.

But I am not familiar with the brand. Is the German-made "Diamondine" brand a good one?

I'm excited!! I'm getting close to my first straight razor shave!!! :D

Thanks everyone!!!

- Dave

Hi there, and welcome!

I haven't heard of Diamondine before, but I looked it up on a razor date and manufacturing page, Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation

I found these two on the list that refer to the name Diamondine.

HAMBLETON, W.B.
Import agency at 221 Spruce Street, Philadelphia, PA
Used trademark "DIAMONDINE"
ca. 1887-1888

VOM CLEFF, R
Import agency at 105 Duane St., New York City
Used trademark "DIAMONDINE"
ca. 1885-1926

Either one it is, assuming there aren't more, it seems that it's a very old razor! German made razor have a good rep, so it should be a good razor. Just make sure it's in good condition before you buy it. But I'm sure it'll make a good shaver. But just wait to see what the other users say, because I could be totally off!

Dave

p.s. What are you going to pay for it?

I have a vom cleff model and it is an excellent shaver! but not one you should consider paying a big premium to own...

pics and prices are good!

I had two and they are both gone. Not special. Ok razors. IMHO I would encourage you to find one here on SRP. You'll probably get a better blade for a better price. Dubl Ducks are good shavers and still at a fair price. A number of others are also. Pay more attention to the condition than the name, unless the name is unknown. A great shaver in mediocre shape still gives a mediocre shave. A mediocre razor in great shape wil give a pretty good shave.

I just looked at the classifieds and I see the razor prices seem to have escalated a bit. Make some inquiries. There have to be some good $25-$50 razors out there amongst the members looking for a new home.

One thing to remember is that if the guy you are buying the razor from hasn't used it in a while it will probably need honing. You probably want to add the cost of that service and the associated shipping to the price for comparison to anything from the classifieds.

Hi all, thanks so much for your thoughts!!

Yeah, I have been searching the classifieds, but was looking for something a bit more modestly priced. I realize that I'll only get what I pay for, but this guy has offered to accept $45 (Canadian) for it, which if my calculations are correct, is 27 cents american.

I am also going this weekend to Canada's largest knife store, and although I am not familiar with the stock, I have been told by the owner via emai he has a huge selection of new and used, in all price ranges, so I will check that out as well..... I continue to check out the classified daily though!!

=)

Where is this store that you speak of??? Is it near Toronto? I'm very interested since I live in Mississauga, so anywhere around Toronto is close....

Dave

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by StraightRazorDave

Where is this store that you speak of??? Is it near Toronto? I'm very interested since I live in Mississauga, so anywhere around Toronto is close....

Dave

---

Hi Dave..... It's not really near Toronto at all...... It's in Ingersoll which is about 20 minutes before you get to London.

Here's the website, On The Edge Collectable Art & Cutlery, Canada's Largest Knife and Sword Store

Thanks. I've heard of Ingersol, but never been there... If I'm down that way I'll be sure to check it out. Thanks!

Dave

Hi,
i got a Nice Diamondine 11/16" today, very thin grounded (a lil pressure with the nail results in a very nice bow of the blade) and Marked as Terre Haute Barber Supply, Terre Haute Ind., Made in Germany.
I will add a few Pics when i cleaned it and shaved with it :-)

Heres my Terra Hute Diamondine, shaved with it yesterday and it was a rough (im strope-Lazy) but good,
the Blade is very thin, sharpening was no Problem, easy and fast. Dont know if the Box is Original.

Attachment 151160Attachment 151161