Thread: 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

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.