A Razor Request..

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08-23-2009, 10:12 PM
Roshambo

A Razor Request..

Hello my friends,

I just took the liberty to join your fine classic shaving forum, I've decided to give this straight razoring a try.. as it were. I just picked up a supposed vintage razor, that seems to be of decent quality off E*Bay. I am having a hard time finding any information on it, Perhaps one of you might be more acquainted ?

Its an Imperial Safety Straight Razor, it has an etching of two men riding a bicycle on the blade, and reads..

Imperial Razor
Warranted
Registered 20507
Germany

On the tang.
08-23-2009, 10:33 PM
michael103150

Re. Imperial Razor

Hi Roshambo,

I am a novice, (hate newbie), when it comes to razors and only joined SRP a few days ago myself, so I find it ironic that I'm offering help to someone. However, if you type imperial razor into Google you will find a fair amount of info about your razor, including an SRP member who had one for sale about a year ago. I've been using Google quite a bit when researching razors and it's been helpful.
Good luck,
Michael
08-23-2009, 10:45 PM
leadduck

Greetings! I'm afraid I don't have anything to offer on the razor, other than to say that if it was made in Songen, Germany, it's probably a decent blade. I'm not sure where else in that country razors were ground or how the quality may compare. Maybe other more experienced members can address this. My main reason for replying was simply to welcome both Roshambo and Michael to the forum! I hope you get as much out of it as I have in the past year or so.
08-23-2009, 10:47 PM
BeBerlin

Welcome to SRP.

When trying to identify razors, our very own SRDB (Straight Razor DataBase) is a good entry point: Imperial Razor Co. "20507" 6/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki.

I happen to own this razor, having acquired it from Max. It is a very nice razor.

Regards,
Robin
08-23-2009, 11:30 PM
Stagehand

Hi Roshambo
This is what I found; Don't know if this applies.

IMPERIAL RAZOR
Trademark used by A. Kastor & Brothers
ca. 1886 - 1945

A. KASTOR & BROS
New York City
Trademarks used: "Imperial Razor Company", four-leaf clover, "XLNT", "K & Co GERMANY", and others
About 1901, Kastor & Bros purchased the Camillus Knife Company of Camillus, New York. They changed the name in 1902 to the Camillus Cutlery Co. In 1947, the name Kastor was dropped completely, although they are still in business as Camillus.
ca. 1876 - 1947
08-23-2009, 11:38 PM
BeBerlin

Stagehand,

That looks very useful. Would you log into the Wiki, then click the red link for Imperial Razor here: Imperial Razor Co. "20507" 6/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki, then fill out the form, please?

Thank you!
Robin
08-23-2009, 11:41 PM
Roshambo

Well thanks everyone for the info, I wonder if its worth anything... :boohoo:

The blade is a bit different than the one pictured in the database, Here is a link to the auction, there are quite a few photos there, hope I can still shave with this.

* Antique * Imperial Safety * Germany Straight Razor ** - eBay (item 280386134233 end time Aug-23-09 14:07:49 PDT)
08-24-2009, 12:03 AM
Stagehand

Hi BeBerlin,
I added the info to the wiki. Thanks for suggesting it.
08-24-2009, 12:48 AM
gugi

welcome to srp,

as you may guess if you've already read some posts here you would need to get the razor honed. you'll also need a strop.
08-24-2009, 01:41 AM
Roshambo

Quote:

Originally Posted by gugi

welcome to srp,

as you may guess if you've already read some posts here you would need to get the razor honed. you'll also need a strop.

*Nods* I've got a Fromm strop I found for 35 dollars on amazon in the mail along with the razor, what would be a good way to locate a bladesmith who could hone it for me in my area ?
08-24-2009, 01:42 AM
onimaru55

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roshambo

Well thanks everyone for the info, I wonder if its worth anything... :boohoo:

The blade is a bit different than the one pictured in the database, Here is a link to the auction, there are quite a few photos there, hope I can still shave with this.

* Antique * Imperial Safety * Germany Straight Razor ** - eBay (item 280386134233 end time Aug-23-09 14:07:49 PDT)

I have restored one of these & found it a nice shaver. Fairly stiff hollow IIRC.
FYI the one in your link has been rescaled with scales from another nice razor. A Black Demon.
08-24-2009, 02:02 AM
Roshambo

Black Demon sounds nice, I really like the logo on the handle, do you think my razor will take much work to get it back to shaving ready ?
08-24-2009, 02:02 AM
BKratchmer

Check in the "Classifieds" section here under "Member Services". You will find lots of qualified honemeisters who will sharpen your blade for a reasonable price + shipping. No matter what, do NOT take it to a knife shop, knife maker, etc as it is a VERY different ball game. I've seen one beautiful razor killed by a woodcarver, and heard a lot of horror stories...

Welcome to SRP, and a dang addictive hobby. :beer2:
08-24-2009, 02:21 AM
onimaru55

Good advice. +1 on "Member Services"
Stay away from any shops claiming to sharpen str8 razors... unless the guy shaves with one :p
08-24-2009, 02:41 AM
Roshambo

Thank yall, I sure will
08-24-2009, 10:27 AM
JimR

This would be a good place to start. Also, a couple of members sometimes offer their services to hone razors for free--check the razors forum and see if there are any postings.

Good luck!