Thread: Bay State straight razor, Anyone know any history?

Bought my first straight razor (I am sure it will be a new addiction) from an antique store the other day. I have searched the web and the library on SRP with very little information found about this brand. Anyone know anything about Bay State razors? I know that it was made is Worcester, Massachusetts. Searching the web sounds like they were in production from 1900-1930 or so (give or take a couple years).

The blade it self appears to be in decent shape. I think the pictures make it look worse than it is. The picture of the scales has some residue from where the price tag was, its not a crack/scuff. I am thinking about doing a minor restore and getting a hone done in the near future.

Any information would be greatly appreciated.

There were a couple of Bay State makers. If it was Bay State M'fg Co., out of Worscester, Goins' says they were in business from about 1875 to 1900. There was a Bay State Knife Co., that operated from about 1900 to 1920. There was also a Bay State Tool Co., in Northampton, MA that was in production from 1854 to 1866, But I'm not sure if the made razors. They did make knives, bayonets, table cutlery and agriculture tools.

Regards - Walt

Wow. Sounds like its older than I thought.



Seems to be in recent shape, no chips. With the etching would it be best just to clean it and hone it? or to a full restore and most likely take the "Bay State" etching away?

Your razor appears to be in pretty good condition. There doesn't seem to be any active rust, just a nice patina from sitting around for so many years. If it were mine I would use some 0000 steel wool and metal polish to give it a preliminary cleaning. If you like the way it looks, then have it honed and put it to use. If you like a mirror finish on your blade you will have to use a high grit wet/dry sandpaper to get down a little further into the metal. The etching on your blade is deep enough to withstand quite a bit of sanding. There is a lot of information about sanding on the Wiki.

Regards - Walt

Thanks for the info!

Is this a 1/4 hollow?

I had seen these razors. I wonder if this company is same. Perhaps moved to Cleveland and evolved? Super Quality vintage stuff. Perhaps they are still around?

Wow, cool razor. Please update when you decide what to do with it. It'd be interesting to see how it turns out.