Thread: Straight Razors made in New York

In the antique malls in my area I have been checking out the straight razors in hopes of finding some good ones. I have noticed that there are a good number of razors that were made in New York. Was there any good ones made there, and if so what would be a good manufacturer to keep and eye out for?

I don't know if any were made in NY, I suppose some were, but many were imported by companies in NY. One NY importer that springs to mind is Bresduck/Pearlduck and their line of various respected Double Duck razors. I am sure someone with much more knowledge will be around soon with a better answer. When I say NY I mean the city not state.

Bob

There was quite a bit of very good razor manufacturers from New York especially from the little valley region, Like Geneva Cutlery, Cattaraugus
Cutlery, Case, Kinfolks, Little Valley knife Association, George Korn, Ontario Cutlery, Genco and probaly a few more, all good quality!

There were many producers of top quality razors in new York state.

I had the privilege of seeing another members collection at the last meetup. He had about a couple hundred razors, representing almost all the manufacturers from that region.

It was an impressive sight!

Michael

Pretty much any vintage razor in good condition will make a nice shaving razor. Lots of brands of modern razors aren't suitable for shaving, they're just display pieces.
As I understand it, the prevalence of razor manufacturers in New York state is due to European immigrants bringing their craft with them to the US.
When looking at vintage blades, I look more for condition and price than maker. Lack of hone wear, lack of rust or tarnish and a nice size blade with no chips are what I look for.
That's what I like most about this hobby, the fact that every junk shop has a box full of razors for sale. Most, however have excessive hone wear or are cracked and broken. Every once in a while, you find that perfect beautiful blade, though.
That's what keeps you going.