Thread: Bohler-Steel Restore

Here is a Bohler-Steel that I found and restored as a gift for a Jewish friend of mine. He has been showing an interest in my straight razor addiction.

The stamp on the tang, the engraving on the blade and even the spine were starting with red rust. From every other indication it was never used. It appeared to have never been honed. The scales were in fantastic shape, tight and centered peerfectly, so I didn't want to take it apart if I could avoid it.

I bought it for the prominant stars and didn't want to lose any definition on the face of the blade. (Sorry I don't have any good before pics)

I removed the light rust from the face of the blade and most most of it on the tang with a paste made of cleanser (softscrub was too soft). I carefully picked the heavier rust from the stamp on the tang and the spine with an Xacto. Then took it to my buffer, moving though lighter compounds. Then I buffed the scales.

I gave it to my friend yesterday on the start of Hanukkah. He was suprised and very pleased.

Great job with this razor and a great present. Happy Hanukkah!
Qatsats

Indeed, Happy Hanukkah! Great razor! Was this Hebrew made? I have one as well. Mine was made in Ukraine. Nice piece with history. I, for one, would like to learn more.

Great, thanks a lot, now I want one! You just put another on my list of razors to obtain. Great job and I love the symbols.

Originally Posted by coachschaller

Great, thanks a lot, now I want one! You just put another on my list of razors to obtain. Great job and I love the symbols.

Sorry Coach, the pictures really don't do it justice. The razor actually has a higher polish than it would have been shipped with originally. The razor was a little smudged with prints, etc. I forgot until after I gave the razor to him that I didn't get pictures. These pictures were taken in an office with dim flourescent lighting. It was really hard to part with this razor even though I am not Jewish.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Indeed, Happy Hanukkah! Great razor! Was this Hebrew made? I have one as well. Mine was made in Ukraine. Nice piece with history. I, for one, would like to learn more.

Hi Sharptonn, I couldn't verify if the company was jewish owned or operated. From my research this razor was probably made in Austria prior to WWII. The 6 pointed star is the makers mark and was included on german military equipment during WWI.

The company did make products for Germany during WWII. Whether by cooperation or coercion I could not tell. Also During WWII Germany forced many manufacturers to change their mark. You can imagine why this mark would not be acceptible. I was not able to find any information about Bohler using this mark during or after WWII.

The company is still in operation, but they do industrial steel now. I sent several emails to the company requesting information, but never got any answers about Jewish ties to the company.

If anybody else does come across this information I would appreciate it.

I could see those would be Jewish stars on that razor..."ezeh sakeen" (whatta knife)

Looks great. Well done. Your friend should be very grateful.

Thanks for a bit of history also, very interesting.

Stu