What quality is my razor?

I'm 18 and brand new to shaving with a straight razor. Performing in the musical Sweeney Todd made me want to try it out. Needless to say I fell in love with straight razor shaving. As of now I'm using a razor I inherited from my grandfather. I've gotten a strop, soap, and brush and I'm getting fairly proficient with shaving, honing, and stropping... Well getting the hang of it. I just wanted to know what quality razor I'm using. It's plain with no markings on the scales, which are black. American Razor Works, New York N. Y. Is stamped on the shank. I'm thinking of buying maybe a DOVO or something in the classifieds of SRP and keeping mine as a momento or keepsake. Does anyone know anything about this particular razor or the company?

Bthr22

PS- I will post a picture as soon as I get one.

Welcome to SRP. I don't have any knowledge of the razor your grandfather left to you. A new Dovo is a good idea and sending your heirloom out to get it pro honed is a good idea too. If you go to the link in my sig line there is a razor data base in the SRP Wiki and someone may have posted that maker's razors in the data base. Smooth shaving. :)

I haven't come across that blade ether, but having a razor from both my grandfather and great grandfather I can say that you are lucky to have a piece of their life that you can use to remember them :)

+1 on that Dovo or others from the classifieds. I only use my heirlooms on their birthdays and other family events.

Welcome to the site and SEND PICS!!! We are all suckers for pics :p

bthr22,

I have not come across that brand; American razors alway seem to be in the shadow of Solingens.

I find this odd as all the American razors I have had have been absolutely superb shavers :)

Best of luck !

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Personally I would say don't put your grandfather's razor in a display case. It was made to be used. If it can be honed OK and shaves well the use it. Sure your grandfather would have approved.

Gareth

As with the others, I've not heard of that particular brand. It seems that it was common for hardware shops to have their own brand stamped on the tang by the manufacturer.
As a vintage blade, it is pretty much guaranteed to be a good performer though. My experience of American steel is that it provides an exceptionally smooth shave.
It's always nice to get to more blades, & the classifieds are a great place to start. I'd keep using your grandfathers blade though. There's nothing like that type of history.

Bthr22, I have one of those razors that I bought at an antique store awhile
back for $8.
The steel seems to be pretty good and it shaves ok.
The only problem with mine is that it is warped pretty bad.
Still I feel like I saved a bit of history by buying it.

Straight razor blades get warped during the heat treating process when they are quenched. If they do not cool off evenly the metal draws up and can bend or twist.

You are very lucky to have your grand fathers razor. I never got to even meet either of mine.

I would use it myself and feel like I had a conection with him.

As for buying another razor, You can find some great deals at antique stores if you know what to look for. Check for warped blades by laying the blade on a counter like you are going to hone and see if the blade rocks. All 4 corners of the blade should touch a flat surface at the same time.

No rust on the cutting edge or above it into the hollow. No uneven hone wear on the spine or excessive hone wear. No cracked scales unless you are willing to do a replacement. Does the blade close in the center of the scales.

Or you can watch for some good deals on new ones. I love Bokers myself.


Good Luck!

Silver2