Thread: SumAluminum

I have a good friend in AU who desired an aluminum-scaled vintage razor. I lined up the scales I had with some likely blades and he chose the fanciest pair (of course!) along with a large Imperial Razor Eagle blade, and some fancy collars. I decided to gift him a smaller razor to go alongside, so I came up with a small "Thatch Favorite" (or is it "Hatch"?) and a small set of equally fancy little scales which were in rough shape. After some extensive sanding, re etching, and lots of polishing, it all evened out. Nice Pair!
I neglected to tell him about the Hessenbruch. I selfishly wanted it for myself! I have always loved Hessenbruch razors. Heavy and high quality. This one was the best of their offerings, IMO, and had lanquished, waiting for me.
I decided to do an all out "aluminum assault". I really dig how the lady on the Hessenbruch rear scale sees her reflection in the mirror. Lotsa work for some indestructible scales, but am happy with the outcome. I realize some do not care for aluminum scales. However, at the time these were made, not much aluminum was out there. It was something exciting, new, and costly!
Tom

I personally don't like Al scales, but at one time it was a very expensive metal and hyped much like Ti is today.
I say Aluminium, Aluminum reminds me of materials like Thaitanium and Unobtanium.
Do you know how old they are?
The whole Aluminium vs Aluminum didn't get settled until 1812 and before 1807 it was Alumium.

Originally Posted by Lemur

I personally don't like Al scales, but at one time it was a very expensive metal and hyped much like Ti is today.
I say Aluminium, Aluminum reminds me of materials like Thaitanium and Unobtanium.
Do you know how old they are?
The whole Aluminium vs Aluminum didn't get settled until 1812 and before 1807 it was Alumium.

Mostly, the consensus is that it was first used on razor scales in the 1920's. However, T. Hessenbruch, as in this razor, was from 1873-1906.

They must have cost a fortune in those days!

I like it because you can tell a story in the scales.

Very nice indeed, really like the details obtained on these scales, thanks for sharing!
Aluminum was very expensive and once considered a precious metal.
In 1852 one Kilogram was $1200.
A french chemist, Henri Étienne Sainte-Claire Deville, found a new way to extract the metal and the price dropped to $40 for one kilogram.
Then on April 2, 1889, Charles Martin Hall patented an inexpensive method for the production of aluminum, which brought the metal into wide commercial use. By 1914, Charles Martin Hall had brought the cost of aluminum down to 18 cents a pound and it was no longer considered a precious metal.

Beautiful Tom
Hessenbruch's are amazing shavers and to have one in such detailed aluminum is quite a treat. You are indeed a very lucky man.
Well done on the restores.
Darl

Hey Tom
Did I hear you say you wanted to trade my black cell. Hessenbruch for that aluminum baby????
Har!!!

I suppose anything is possible, Darl. I shall sleep on it......Soundly!

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I suppose anything is possible, Darl. I shall sleep on it......Soundly!

So did you have a restful sleep?