Thread: Need help with my grandfathers USMC Clauss!

Originally Posted by Voidmonster

It was definitely manufactured and issued in WWI, so your grandfather most likely got it as a hand-me-down from someone else in the Corps.

I was under the impression they were made in WWII as well. Are you thinking of the older one Voidmonster that has USMC engraved on the blade instead of the tang?
Mine was recently bought off eBay by my sister who paid $200 for it and it has initials scratched into the scales that I need to remove or fill in.

Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad

I was under the impression they were made in WWII as well. Are you thinking of the older one Voidmonster that has USMC engraved on the blade instead of the tang?
Mine was recently bought off eBay by my sister who paid $200 for it and it has initials scratched into the scales that I need to remove or fill in.

I know it had previously been speculated that some of the USMC razors were WWII era, but I can't find anything to back that up. I can, however, find requisition orders for Clauss razors from WWI.

Don't take this as gospel though, since the appropriate WWII records could be lurking behind a paywall I'm not privy to.

However, I cannot turn up any search hits for Clauss-made straight razors beyond 1918. They may well have made them, but if they did, they didn't advertise them. They got hammered in the 1920's for selling razors stamped with 'Sheffield' that appear to have been produced... Somewhere. The company rep claimed that in the natural course of their business they bought out a warehouse that had a whole bunch of bare razor blades in it, so they naturally stuck scales on'em and sold'em to the public, but they really didn't know if what was stamped on them was true or not.

The FTC smacked'em around a little and told them not to do it anymore.

Complaint No. 802. -- Federal Trade Commission v. The Henkel-Clauss Company. Charge: Respondent sells razors, which are defective or otherwise unsuitable for ordinary market, labeled with fictitious resale prices many times greater than the fair market value of the razors, and marked "Special quality, fully warranted" of "Sheffield," with the purpose and effect of misleading the purchasing public as to the value and quality of its razors, in alleged violation of section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission act. Disposition: After hearing the commission ordered the respondent to cease and desist from the practice charged in the complaint.

There is a 1937 Annual Report on Munitions which mentions Clauss several times, but the book isn't fully available and I can't tell what was being purchased from them (not a whole lot of whatever it was, as the maximum charge listed was $26,622.68). By that time, they were regularly advertising and selling safety-razor blades.

I have sent you a pm.

Thanks Voidmonster. Some good info there my friend.
How's Oceanside these days? I miss the breakfasts at the Longboard Cafe.

Originally Posted by ProudMarineDad

Thanks Voidmonster. Some good info there my friend.
How's Oceanside these days? I miss the breakfasts at the Longboard Cafe.

That whole strip along PCH is really hopping these days. It's turning into a bit of a foodie haven with several awesome, weird little restaurants. I've never had breakfast there, though another local friend says they're great. Where I live, downtown Carlsbad is more convenient, so my go-to for breakfast is Al's.

I have both of the Clauss USMC razors the only info I have been able to find out about them is the one with USMC on the blade was produced about the time of the Spanish American War and that they had problems with them rusting in the tropics so the next one the one with the USMC stamped on the tang was coated with nickel or something to help prevent rust and was produced pre WWI This info was passed on to me by a member here on SRP. I live about 5 miles from the Gate of Parris Island and have taken them to the Curators at the museum there and they had no clue about them the only razors in the museum are DE's. I am not sure if they were issued or a PX item. I have seen pictures of junk on a bunk that had them layed out with the rest of there gear and if I remember correctly these pictures were pre WWII. There is a Retired SgtMaj. here and I was told if anybody would know it would be him and I have not had a chance to talk with him. When I do I will pass the info on. I use mine once a year on November 10th its my way of celerbrating the Marine Corps Birthday Semper Fi

Just like a sqid to rip off a PVT...

Originally Posted by Wintchase

Just like a sqid to rip off a PVT...

Whatch out there bucko...

Originally Posted by Wintchase

Just like a sqid to rip off a PVT...

Read Robert leckies book helmet for my pillow and you will see how much a jarhead would be ripped off by a squidley. The USMC has been ripping off the navy for yrs. that's why we learn to triple check our footlockers and sea bags in Boot Camp everyday. Also it's not easy to attain rank in the Corps so a prt may be a boot but after Lance corporal u could be looking at 5 yrs to make Sargent

Originally Posted by Slamthunderide

I have both of the Clauss USMC razors the only info I have been able to find out about them is the one with USMC on the blade was produced about the time of the Spanish American War and that they had problems with them rusting in the tropics so the next one the one with the USMC stamped on the tang was coated with nickel or something to help prevent rust and was produced pre WWI This info was passed on to me by a member here on SRP. I live about 5 miles from the Gate of Parris Island and have taken them to the Curators at the museum there and they had no clue about them the only razors in the museum are DE's. I am not sure if they were issued or a PX item. I have seen pictures of junk on a bunk that had them layed out with the rest of there gear and if I remember correctly these pictures were pre WWII. There is a Retired SgtMaj. here and I was told if anybody would know it would be him and I have not had a chance to talk with him. When I do I will pass the info on. I use mine once a year on November 10th its my way of celerbrating the Marine Corps Birthday Semper Fi

You have a nice collection and are right abt your dates. I'm trying to make a 7 day set of USMC straights so if you ever nd to part with 1 look no further. Lost 1 on the bay 2 wks ago. I look everyday but found 1 where they replaced the scales with aqua glass. What a shame. I'm a 20 yr vet and been out for 2 yrs. Miss the corps everyday. Semper fidelis. When did you go to the island?