I'm the 3rd Generation

A couple of years ago my half-brother, who is nine years my eldet and with whom I share a mother, brought me a straight razor. That's pretty cool in itself. The story that goes along with it makes it really special.

He came by it going through my father's things after he had passed on in 1994 at the age of 64. My brother was a senior in highschool at the time and thought it was cool to carry it around while wearing his trench coat and hanging with his rocker buddies. Luckily, some twenty-eight years later, he had found it in a box.

After doing some research among the family I found a little history. My grandfater, E. Hanke, was a barber his entire life near Quincy, Il. He had purchased this Ringleader straight razor sometime between 1924-1935 from the Jaeger Supply Co. of Springfield, Il. At some point before he joined the Army Air Corps, my father, W. Hanke, recieved the razor. He then used it throughout his four years in the Army Air Corps and another four years in the Navy as a part time barber. Now nearly 60 years after my father stopped using it, I now have this great piece of history in my life.

I took it to a local barber. Upon telling him my story, he honed it and polished of the few spots of rust. He refused any payment. He too had a long history like mine. He gave me a lesson in proper technique and I went on my way.

I am proud to say that last night, I shaved in the same way my father and grandfather had before me!

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Awesome story!! Welcome to SRP - see you in the trenches.

Welcome to SRP. Glad to have you aboard. :tu

Hello, and welcome to SRP. That is a awesome story, and full of rich family history. Congtrats.

Welcome, Mr Hanke!

You joined the fraternity! And, a close one, it is.

kind regards,

Simon

ps-where you from? May wanna change your locale in your profile when you feel comfortable.

Hi and welcome. That's a great story and even better that it is something you can use for your life time. Good luck and happy shaving

Welcome. It is good that you are 'cemented' into the craft, Great background on the razor! Congrats on an heirloom which you can use and pass on!

Welcome to SRP! Don't ever let that straight go. That's such a family heirloom. Wish I had one from the family like that. :rock:

Thank you! I got it updated. I'm from southern Indiana.

Can someone point me in the right direction to get more info on it? The razor itself has 'Jaeger Supply Co.' 'Springfield Ill.' Made in Germany' engraved near the pivot. I'd like to know more about it, as well as it's possible value.

Lots and lots of German made razors were retailed in Barber Supply shops and hardware stores back then. It's pretty hard to find out the exact maker. Maybe research the store that it was from. I'm sure the quality of the steel is good.

As far as value, you gotta be careful around here when it comes to that. We do not give evaluations on dollar amount. Some people would use the forum for only that and we have so much more to offer.

That razor is priceless to you, keep it. The dollars it would fetch on eBay or elsewhere would be a disappointment.

Sweet story and nice to meet you bud!

That's an awesome story. Congratulations on joining the forum. And more importantly enjoy your new hobby.

Welcome to SRP. You are miles ahead already than most new members. Still a lot to learn (something new everyday happens every time I pick up a straight razor.) Don't forget, asking is a blessing on this forum, we all benefit by the various answers received.