American Razors

[robertlampo]

Gentlemen, I'm just a little curious about razors that were and are still made here on American soil. Are there any still being manufactured here? Can you guys rattle off some American brands from the past or present or tell me your experiences with them? I own only one American razor and would just like to know some history about them. Mine is a Robeson.

-Rob

[Blade Wielder]

I own a few American razors.

The first one (also my first razor) I got from Lynn. It's a 5/8 round point from Worcester, Mass. circa World War Two. The blade is semi-hollow, the handle black. It's very simple in its design, and that's why it initially caught my eye. A great shaver that holds an edge really well.

I've also got a couple of 5/8 spikes from NY. Both are wedges. I've owned them for months and months, but it wasn't until just the other week that I refined their edges and got some great shaves out of both of them. They also have a very utilitarian look, but they do a fantastic job as shavers. In fact, many of the American razors I've seen aren't all that flashy.

[wvbias]

Robert,

I have a 6/8 Genco. That was made in Bradford Pa.
Genco began in 1902 by the Geneva Cutlery Co.
in Geneva NY. In 1935 thet were bought out by
Case. Case moved the operations to Bradford Pa.
and continued to produce razors under the Genco
name until 1955.

I also have a Case made in Little Valley NY
sometime between 1900 and 1912.

Case also made razors under their own name from
at least 1900 until 1962. A few years back, Case
began producing razors again. I remember seeing
them in Smoky Mountain Knife Works catalog.
I'm not sure where they were being made or if
the quality was still there.

Do check out the following link. It has some
good information.

http://www.uniclectica.com/misc/manuf.html

Hope this helps a little.


Terry

[Lynn]

I'm a big fan of American made razors. Korn's, King's, Waterville's, Kinfolks, Holley's, Cattaraugus, Case and on and on. There were some awesome shavers made in America. Lynn

[thebigspendur]

Yea there are zillions of American branded razors though I imagine very few were actually manufactured in the U.S. Razors like the DDs, sears were all German made. I have several like Case, Robson that were American made.

[Lynn]

The brands I listed and many more including Crane, Challenge and Novelty were all made in the US. In addition there were many German manufacturers making blades for US Cutlery Companies. Have fun. Lynn

[superfly]

I have two USA blades, both courtesy of the one and only, Mr. Lynn Abrams. Kelley-How-Thomson Co. made in Duluth, Minn. and Simmons Hardware Co. Barber's Pet, made in Germany. Both great shavers, used regulary. There is also the C-MON HF Peter J. Michels. INC. Brooklyn, New York, also made in Germany...

Nenad

[Joe Chandler]

I've got a Waterville, Case Red Imp, a couple Robesons, Gencos, Genevas, and Clausses. All the American razors I've owned (or currently own) are outstanding shavers. I'd never heard of Watervilles before, but John West put me on to them. They're kinda hard to find, but worth it. They're lighter than I normally like, but very elegant, and exceptional shavers. John told me of the many thousands of razors he owns, the Watervilles are among his favorites. Now I know why.

[garythepenman]

I can vouch for Geneva's. I have a 6/8 from Lynn, very nice indeed.

Gary

[Blade Wielder]

I forgot -- I've also got my Double Duck Goldedge and a Genco.