Thread: "Solingen" Razors

Originally Posted by NCGuy

Gotcha, thanks. Do you think that's less likely to be the case with older razors, or has it pretty much always been an issue?

I responded to another post before I read yours but I think the answer is the same: vintage ones are likely to be good buys assuming they're in good condition. I'll add to my previous comment that I don't know that my G&F wasn't made in Solingen. What I do know is that the quality isn't very good and others who have newer G&F's agree. Lynn has posted numerous times about the quality of G&F razors. I will say that they can be made shave ready but it's a lot of work that IMHO shouldn't be necessary.

I think it's sort of like Bordeaux wines, Chianti or Brunello- you'd like to think the words have meaning and are controlled but it appears to me they're mostly just marketing points.

I believe by law you cannot call your wine Bordeaux or Chianti unless it actually comes from that appellation.

The legal situation is such that already in 1938 a law was passed that protects the name Solingen for cutlery products. In 1994 that law was replaced by a modern brand law.
This law dictates that cutlery must meet the following criteria in order to lawfully bear the name Solingen:
- All substantial manufacturing steps must be done within the Solingen Industrial area
- They must meet specific quality standards

Here's more info for German speaking members. Sorry - I could not find any good source for the English speaking.

That's the legal side. But it is a historical fact that already in the 19th century fake Solingen products were offered on the markets.
However, I guess if one goes with the well known Solingen Brands there's a very high chance that the razor was actually made there.

Cheers
BlueDun