Just picked up a Union Cutlery "Signal"

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02-28-2014, 10:10 PM
STR8RZR

Just picked up a Union Cutlery "Signal"

I am looking forward to getting this in the mail next week.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...8at40630PM.png

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...8at40618PM.png

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...8at40329PM.png
02-28-2014, 10:49 PM
bouschie

Nice razor. Looks real clean and great shape. Enjoy.
02-28-2014, 10:51 PM
Steel

Is that a John sellers and sons signal razor??
02-28-2014, 11:04 PM
STR8RZR

Quote:

Originally Posted by Steel

Is that a John sellers and sons signal razor??

All I saw on the add was that it was a Union Cutlery Co. Signal. Not sure if it's John Sellers and Sons.
02-28-2014, 11:07 PM
Steel

The blade sure looks like mine but I am not very knowledgable.
03-01-2014, 01:04 AM
STR8RZR

Does this look like a 6/8 razor?
03-01-2014, 05:18 PM
Wullie

Quote:

Originally Posted by STR8RZR

All I saw on the add was that it was a Union Cutlery Co. Signal. Not sure if it's John Sellers and Sons.

Union Cutlery became KA-BAR in the 30's. Name owned by CUTCO nowadays.

They made good stuff back in the day.
03-01-2014, 06:21 PM
wyobarbershop

I'm a big fan of Union Cutlery razors. That is the first Signal I've seen. Had it on my watch list. Great buy STR8RZR!
03-01-2014, 08:24 PM
STR8RZR

Quote:

Originally Posted by wyobarbershop

I'm a big fan of Union Cutlery razors. That is the first Signal I've seen. Had it on my watch list. Great buy STR8RZR!

Thanks wyo. Would you have any idea of the date on this razor from looking at the pics? It looks like it's in great shape and I'm excited about getting it next week.
03-01-2014, 10:35 PM
Wullie

Union Cutlery Co.
Olean, NY 1911-1951
KA-BAR brand 1923-1951
Wallace R. & Emerson Brown
Danforth Brown Manufacturer
03-02-2014, 02:37 PM
stimpy52

That razor is absolutely intriguing, mostly because I've never seen on before and I thought I'd seen about every razor Union put out. Nice treatment of the grip area on the tang, I hope you'll post more and better pictures when you receive it. It's certain to be a terrific razor.
03-02-2014, 06:51 PM
TwistedOak

Next to the shoulderless design, I really like the recessed shoulder style like this one has. Seems to be in almost unused condition!
03-02-2014, 07:21 PM
STR8RZR

Quote:

Originally Posted by stimpy52

That razor is absolutely intriguing, mostly because I've never seen on before and I thought I'd seen about every razor Union put out. Nice treatment of the grip area on the tang, I hope you'll post more and better pictures when you receive it. It's certain to be a terrific razor.

I will post more pictures when I get the Razor.

I saw this on Ebay and it caught my eye for a few reasons. 1) It was in really good shape and didn't seem to be honed out. 2) I knew that Union Cutlery was a good US Razor. 3) I couldn't find anything about the "Signal" model razor from Union Cutlery. There are a lot of Spikes out there, but I thought this must be their 6/8 razor and somewhat unique. I hit the Buy Now button and did the deal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwistedOak

Next to the shoulderless design, I really like the recessed shoulder style like this one has. Seems to be in almost unused condition!

I like it as well and the scales look like they are in good shape too.

I'll see if I can figure something out to take care of the rust in or around the hinge area when I get it.
03-02-2014, 08:01 PM
Blackstangal

Quote:

Originally Posted by Wullie

Union Cutlery became KA-BAR in the 30's. Name owned by CUTCO nowadays.

They made good stuff back in the day.

I didnt know that thanks for sharing:tu
03-03-2014, 02:50 PM
STR8RZR

Winter storm will be delaying the delivery.
03-05-2014, 11:33 PM
STR8RZR

It's here....

Ok gentlemen. After a delay from Winter Storm Titan, the package arrived today. After taking a look at the razor and cleaning it up just a little, I believe that what I have here is an unused Union Cutlery Signal. It does not appear to have ever been honed. There is no sign of use on the blade. There are just a few spots on the blade and one slight rub mark on the scales. Pretty cool razor.

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...85A1DAF37E.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...F1EA9FC49F.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...3C92EC5730.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...F6DC13B398.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...F9BE0AD713.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...43D089B3D8.jpg

http://i201.photobucket.com/albums/a...BD85EBF85F.jpg

I am pleased with my first vintage razor purchase.
03-06-2014, 03:44 AM
TwistedOak

Looks good! I think it's got a slight belly to it which is another good feature.
08-17-2014, 04:27 PM
Dzanda

1 Attachment(s)

HERE'S ANOTHER ONE

I found this thread while researching one of SWMBO's recent acquisitions that I hadn't really looked at until yesterday. My razor has clearly seem a lot more use than the OP's razor has, but it's definitely the same razor; a SIGNAL, made by Union Cutlery Co. of Olean, N.Y.:

Attachment 176437

Are these really that unusual?
08-17-2014, 04:32 PM
Dzanda

Quote:

Originally Posted by TwistedOak

Looks good! I think it's got a slight belly to it which is another good feature.

I can now confirm that these are indeed ground with a bit of a belly. Why is that a good thing?
08-17-2014, 05:08 PM
sharptonn

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dzanda

I can now confirm that these are indeed ground with a bit of a belly. Why is that a good thing?

Well, in my case, it matches ME! :rofl2: Seriously, Bellied grinds are a bit more forgiving than most full hollows, IMO. The extra bit of stiffness out near the edge makes a comfy shave, FME.
They look a bit heftier than most of Union's offerings. I had not seen one! Should shave great! Enjoy!
08-17-2014, 05:34 PM
JSmith1983

Very nice. For you first vintage razor you didn't do bad at all. Union Cutlery seems to be underrated when compared to the bigger more popular names, but the ones I have are fantastic shavers and I wouldn't part with them willingly.
08-17-2014, 05:46 PM
Dzanda

Quote:

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Well, in my case, it matches ME! :rofl2: Seriously, Bellied grinds are a bit more forgiving than most full hollows, IMO. The extra bit of stiffness out near the edge makes a comfy shave, FME.
They look a bit heftier than most of Union's offerings. I had not seen one! Should shave great! Enjoy!

I can relate re: bellies! :)

The belly on my razor is pretty subtle, but it's definitely there. I haven't managed to take a photo that captures it.

The only other Union Cutlery razor that I have is a Spike Wedge. The Signal is quite a bit heavier because of a 6 mm (vs 3.5 mm) thick spine and an 11/16 ths (vs 9/16 ths) blade: the Signal weighs 43 g, while the Spike weighs 29 g. The scales no doubt contribute some, but the blade clearly accounts for the lion's share of the heft.