Thread: Spike brand razor?

In getting started honing and maintaining a blade, I have chosen a "Spike" brand razor made by the Union Cutlery Co. of Olean N.Y. (I have owned this razor for at least 30 years).
The handle is a transparent green plastic and the blade ( hollow ground) measures 2 7/8" X 9/16". How would that size be expressed, and does anyone know enough about the blade to comment on quality for comparison sake?
Thanks, Ken.

IIRC, Union Cutlery makes some good razors. The size is usually expressed in 1/8" but 9/16 would be a good way to describe a blade that's between 4 and 5/8. Without seeing any pictures or having actual experience with UC blades, I'd say you got yourself a potentially decent shaver.

I've got a union spike in the green plastic scales. Mine's a half hollow with gold wash on the shank and spine. It's a really good razor. Treat it well: if it's in good condition it's likely to be one of your best razors.

FWIW, Union Cutlery was bought by Brown in the 20's, and they later renamed the company in honor of their most famous product, the Ka-Bar combat knife of WWII.

Edit: Oops, I missspoke. Accd to the Ka-Bar history page, Brown bought the company (Tidioute) in 1902, then changed the name to Union Cutlery.

Thanks for the information. This seems to be a good blade, and once I become more proficient at putting an edge on a razor I am sure It will serve me well.

Do these guys know there stuff or what? Nice work gentlemen.

One thing I've found about the Union Spikes is that they seem to have a softer temper than most razors, and have a velvety feel on the hone, and when properly honed, are outstanding shavers. You picked a good one to get started with.

Gentlemen,

Might I suggest reading my book "Tidioute: A Town With an Edge" to learn the REAL history of KABAR and Union.

Most website do not have it right.

This is a quality razor you have though and should last many more years if properly taken care of.

thanks for letting me chime in

I thought all Union Spike razors were quarter hollow, unlike the Red Imps that come in quarter and full hollow. Well, live and learn.

I have an 11/16ths Spike that is perhaps my best American razor, although a 5/8ths Waterville Unlimited is right there with it, but I generally prefer blades larger than 5/8ths so the Spike gets the edge. I looked for a long time before finding a Spike larger than 9/16ths though.

I seem to recall that the Spike was not at all difficult to hone and retains the keen edge well enough.

Excellent razor and a smooth shaver, I just may have to use mine again tonight. Good luck.

Gentlemen,

The information you have imparted on this brand of razor has been most illuminating. Thank you all.

Regards,

Obie

Used mine this evening, nice smooth shave. Its a full wedge rather than quarter hollow.