Thread: First razor purchase - French "Bellefontaigne Montreal" - and down the slippery slope

After spending a few days looking at the hundreds of beaten up straight razors that eBay has to offer, I settled upon a razor stamped "Albert Bellefontaine Montreal" and "Special Steel Made in France" at the tang, with "Bellefontaine de Luxe" etched on the blade. I'll post better photographs once it arrives:



I chose this razor simply because I like the look of it - despite the fact that I passed up on a Puma in the same condition for $10 less to get it. It's an aesthetic hobby, isn't it? I can't find any information about this razor anywhere, so it might be rubbish steel (though I'd be surprised). It seems to be in very good condition with no nicks, rust or frown. The scales look original. It's not been cleaned.

Does anyone know anything about this razor? I did find a thread suggesting that this razor was the "house brand" of a Canadian perfumer, sourced from different places (Sheffield, Solingen) at different periods. I can't find any mention of this particular one though, nor whether they are quality razors.

Incidentally, I know that it's a bad idea for a newbie to purchase a razor that isn't shave-ready, let alone one which may well be badly beaten up. However, I've got all the stones, sharpening gear, polishes and abrasives from years of sharpening and restoring old woodworking tools and knives, so I feel I'm off to a slight head start with the restoration side of things at least. But I don't think I'm somehow ahead of the game or a know-it-all with getting a sharp edge. Like sharpening tools, using straight razors is a discipline, and the foundation of discipline is humility. It took me two and a half years to produce a chisel edge I would even call satisfactory, and even then I'll be chasing better technique and consistency for the rest of my life.

I'd like to have someone with more experience hone this razor before I try myself, but I don't know who in Australia might offer that service.

Well Edward, lets start off with where you're from in Australia and we will put your feet onto the path of shave ready razor Nirvana! In Sydney you have Os (Onimaru55), in Melbourne you have John (johnmrson), Brisbane you have a few of us here, but James (jimbo) is our local guru, Sunbird up in the North of QLD would be able to help I reckon as well. That covers the east coast for you now.


Mick

Thanks for the help. I'm in Melbourne, so I'll be off to see James shortly after my razor arrives - he's very close to where I am. I'll keep you posted on progress. In the meantime, I'll work on acquiring a strop and brush.

Can anyone say anything about the mysterious origins of this razor?

Originally Posted by EdwardRoland

Thanks for the help. I'm in Melbourne, so I'll be off to see James shortly after my razor arrives - he's very close to where I am. I'll keep you posted on progress. In the meantime, I'll work on acquiring a strop and brush.

Can anyone say anything about the mysterious origins of this razor?

I actually purchased one of these razors from a member here. Its still in transit. But my understanding is that Belefontaine was a druggist/chemist in Montreal and sold these razors under their own name. Similar to Peter J. Michels in NY. The razors were obviously not made in Canada but in France. What the producer in France was is debatable. Just like PJM, I suppose it could have been anyone. I'd like to think that the one that is in transit to me was made by Theirs Issard/Le Grelot, but there's no way to confirm that as far as I know. But not to worry, there are plenty of no name razors out there that are wonderful and will rival any of your trophy razors as well. I hope yours is all of that and more.

New pics after a bit of spit and polish, and a few coats of Renaissance Wax. Going to be honed in a few days.

Last picture. Obviously nothing compared to many of the razors on here, but still something I'm very happy with for my first razor. Quite cheap, too.

Now that's a razor I could happily find a home for right here with me. That one is the sort of style I like too. Wide and squared up.


Mick

That is a fine looking razor you have got there. I can see why it appeals to you, it certainly does to me.

Bob

Originally Posted by EdwardRoland

Last picture. Obviously nothing compared to many of the razors on here, but still something I'm very happy with for my first razor. Quite cheap, too.

Bah, that's a damn fine looking razor. Be happy with it. I think you picked up a great one. I like the square tip. Some people don't like the square tips but I prefer them. Once its ready to go, report back and let us know how the shave went. I'm going to say that its going to be really good.

Indeed it is a decent razor. I am restoring one myself. Seems Bellefontaines have been fabricated in Solingen, Germany and in France. Mine is from Solingen.

Have fun with it! Congrats!