Thread: American made / branded razors

There were tons of American made razors and they are some of the most under rated pieces you will ever find. The original cutlery capitol in the U.S was centered around the Little Valley area of New York State.

The real secret has always been you can get some fabulous razors for a steal. People want Solingen and Sheffield and Sweden and pass by the American stuff.

Originally Posted by cudarunner

As my friend Glen has pointed out, I find it hard to beat good old American Made Razors!!! I’m in complete agreement about the NY ones! I’ve just finished an Olean that’s a fantastic shaver!!

I will be test shaving a Challenge Faux Frameback 6/8 Roundpoint that was made in Bridgeport CN. The initial findings tell me that I’m in for a Great Shave!!

You can Add Challenge (at least this razor) to the list of American Manufacturers who made Great Shavers, or should I say 'Fantastic Shavers'!!!! I just finished a very sweet, smooth and wonderful two pass shave off of the razor above!!

The owner (and my friend) is really going to like this one!!

Yikes ! Forgot all about JR Torrey out of Massachusetts. Got a few of his and they are real good too.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Yikes ! Forgot all about JR Torrey out of Massachusetts. Got a few of his and they are real good too.

I also just finished cleaning up and honing a Torrey 1/4 grind for my friend! Again, great shaver!!!

I think we forget Keen Kutter (Simmons Hardware) and Hibbard Spencer and Bartlett too ...........

The majority of mine are all Geneva Cutlery Company/Genco (same company and at one point was the largest factory in the world), though I have a Torrey which is one of my best shavers. I also have a Cattaruagus that I've yet to clean/hone.

Pretty much all the Genco branded items I've come across have been good quality. I have two barber hones (one of which is a strop back) that are great. I'm hoping to one day find a Genco retractable strop...

Yes, American razors were produced by the most enterprising and skillfull of emmigrants from England, Germany, and elsewhere. A look through this thread will yield much info on history and makers! http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...llow-conn.html

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I think we forget Keen Kutter (Simmons Hardware) and Hibbard Spencer and Bartlett too ...........

Yes Jimmy we did! How could we!!

Not to pop your bubbles, gents, but Simmons and HSB were most likely German made for them just as most "Hardware Store" varieties, including Shapleigh!

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Yikes ! Forgot all about JR Torrey out of Massachusetts. Got a few of his and they are real good too.

You also forgot about C-MON -- when Carl Monkhouse, Sr. moved his family from Germany to the US, it was to Ellicottville, NY.