Thread: Made in Solingen?

Hello all,

I am new around here. It's nice to see a place were such knowlegdable folks are so quick to help. With that said, I need some of that help.

A buddy of mine sent me a straight razor that he said he bought a few years ago. He said that he got it at a knife shop in the mall. It has black plastic scales and has only "SOLINGEN MADE IN GERMANY" stamped into the blade.

I have read around here that "no brand" razors with "SOLINGEN" are often Pakistani steel and should be avoided. What do you guys thing about this one?

I'm pretty sure (especially as I type this) that it is indeed one of these Pakistani blades, but I thought I'd get your opinion.

Can you post a photo?

Sure thing.

Actually there have been many razors made with just solingen. many were made and sold in Germany as 7 day sets as momentos of travel. Probably just generic razors like the store brands you buy every day. If it says made in Germany then that's what it should be. They do have laws controlling that. If it just says Germany on the blade that's another issue.

So you think I might have a decent razor on my hands?

I heard that one way to tell if it has been properly forged is to flick the tip out from under your thumbnail. If it makes a clear ring, then it's been forged properly. Don't know if this is true or not but mine makes a clear ring.

You need to get it honed and see if it shaves, that is the
real test.

Yes, it does look like a decent razor. Nice condition.

Good luck.
Marc

Yesterday I received for honing the same razor.
I can say, that it's simple, good razor for daily use.

Awesome. Thanks for all of your help.

My plan is to send it off to Ken sometime in the next week or so to have it honed.

That looks like a pretty decent blade. Note the washers under the pin heads and the general fit and finish of the blade and scales. Sharpen it up and try her out! That's the only way to really tell if it's a good shaver.