Thread: Edgar Allen Straight

Does anyone know anything about this Edgar Allen straight razor? When I bought it ($18) I thought it was a vintage razor. It appears to be unused and new. Are there Edgar Allen straights still made, and do I have a new razor sold as an old razor?

Under magnification, I just noticed some rust on the tang, and some markings that look like the metal was buffed. The scales appear new, but the rivets in the scales are old.

I have about changed my mind, and think I have an old straight that was never honed, and has been rebuilt.

By the way, it says "No 1 / 58" on the opposite side of the shank that is pictured.

Maybe NOS? It looks pretty nice, in any case. Any sign of the steel's origin? I know it says New York on it but a lot of American companies imported blades from Europe (esp. Solingen) and rebranded them for distribution.

Whether it's American or German, though, it's got a nice look to it. Git 'er honed and shaving?

There is nothing about origin other than...

Edgar Allen Steel Co. Inc
Chicago & New York

However, I suspect it is Sheffield steel based on the Wikipedia article on the Edgar Allen company...

Edgar Allen and Company was a steel maker and engineer, which from the late 19th century was based at Imperial Steel Works, Tinsley, Sheffield, South Yorkshire. The site was bounded by Sheffield Road, Vulcan Road and the Sheffield District Railway to which it was connected.

Later in the article it says Edgar Allen closed in 1988.

I suspect that Edgar Allen didn't make too many straight razors, due to the dearth of information on the internet. And, possibly, the "No 1 / 58" on the opposite side indicates it was a limited run?

By the way, the razor seemed to "take" a sharp edge easily. Shaving with it tomorrow. We'll see.