Thread: The Swedish Razor company...Worcester Mass

Does anyone have any info on this? I recently bought a razor at an antique store with the above stamped on the tang and 'hand forged' on the blade. It was in pretty good shape (the scales suck though) and I figured I'd give it a try. I honed it at the same time I touched up one of my japanese western razors. I shaved with the 2 razors and OMG!!! I couldn't really tell the difference from one side to the other. I am in shock!! The japanese razor was one of my very best shavers (still is )but this unknown to me razor from 15 min down the street is damn near as good of a shaver and about 1/5 of the price!

Just wondering if any of the razor historians know anything about this company.

Chris

Never heard of the company, but a vintage Swedish is usually equal to those of Solingen, Japanese or Sheffield.

Originally Posted by Amenrab

Never heard of the company, but a vintage Swedish is usually equal to those of Solingen, Japanese or Sheffield.

I'd even go one further and state that the Swedes I have are equal to, or even smoother than Solingen steel. They're a real bear to hone up sometimes but get wildly smooth and hold their edges for a long damned time. Whenever I see a decent looking Swede I snag it without a second thought.

Sorry i can't help with that particular blade but rest assured most Swedish steel seems to have come through the centuries very well, so you finding that blade to be great is no surprise. Hang onto it! Most blades that show stamps indicating Sweden turn out to be among the owner's favorites.

Thanks for the replies! I agree 100% about the swedish steel. I have a Heljenstrand currently and have had a few other swedish razors pass through my hands...all were very good to great shavers. I just thought it was odd to have a company in Worcester producing 'swedish' razors. There is no stamping indicating that the steel is swedish (like some of the japanese razors). Well, it'll be in my rotation now and probably for a long time to come

Chris

EXCELSIOR CUTLERY CO.
Worcester, Massachusetts
ca. 1893-1895; original name of the Swedish Razor Co.
Uniclectica Antiques and Collectibles Online

I have a shoulderless ground Worcester.
A great shaver.

Short lived company! High quality razor, Enjoy!

SWEDISH RAZOR CO
95 Foster St., Worcester, Massachusetts
Formerly Excelsior Cutlery Co (1893 - 1895)
ca. 1895 - 1904

Oh man!! Jackpot! Thanks Martin!!! I think its really cool to learn the history of this passion of ours. The willingness to research and share this history with everyone contributes to the true community here on this forum. There are some really great people with so much info and such a desire to help others on this site. I am truly honored to be a part of it!!!

Viva la SRP!!

Chris

I just got this very same razor a couple of days ago. Couldn't really tell what is was until I cleaned it up, same as yours but the "Hand Forged" logo is more faded on mine. Mine has a "47" stamped on the other side of the tang. I don't have any honing or scale replacement skills so I'll have to evaluate if it is worth sending out to someone. Thanks for the history on it guys.

Here is a pic of the one I found, cleaned it up with some Mother's metal wheel polish. Didn't notice the "Hand Forged" until I wiped it down.

I would have thought it came out or Torrey co. Never would have guess from how the tang is marked that it is from 1900.