Thread: "Solingen" Razors

I was hoping to get a handle on what the "Solingen" insignia on vintage razors means - the wiki page says that they're razors if they're forged in Solingen, which implies that some are not. Is there any way to tell if a "Solingen" razor was truly forged there, or do you just need to rely on the brand?

I found several in pretty decent shape at an antique store today, but novice that I am, I mistook "Solingen" for the brand name and didn't notice the actual brand - I'll go back tomorrow to take a closer look, but was just curious if there was anything else I should keep an eye out for.

Thanks!

I'd love to say there was some uniformity but in my limited experience there is not. I've got several razors stamped "Solingen" and I'm pretty certain that at least one was made in China and assembled in Solingen.

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.

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 can't say I've seen any modern razor stamped Solingen that I didn't think were from Solingen. Solingen is an area in Germany where all the cutlery makers congregated. Every razor stamped Solingen that I've shaved with has delivered a very good shave as long as it was properly honed. You can't go wrong with a vintage Solingen I reckon.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

I can't say I've seen any modern razor stamped Solingen that I didn't think were from Solingen. Solingen is an area in Germany where all the cutlery makers congregated. Every razor stamped Solingen that I've shaved with has delivered a very good shave as long as it was properly honed. You can't go wrong with a vintage Solingen I reckon.

I've got a Giesen & Forsthoff that I'm guessing was "assembled" in Solingen. It does have "Solingen" stamped on the tang.

Vintage is a different story, I think. Just about any vintage razor from Solingen that's in good condition would be a good choice.

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