Thread: Found a Palmer(?) straight and a Four Sided Paddle Strop in a vintage shop...

I found this straight razor and this four-sided paddle strop several weeks back at a local vintage store. The shank reads "31 The Palmer." The blade was in decent shape, only some superficial scratching and surface level tarnish that came out with a light rub of finishing compound. I gave it my best efforts at honing and gave it several shaves. As my skill level grows, I'm finding it delivers a very close shave with each subsequent effort. I am very new at this though, so take that for what it might be worth.The strop appears to have a honing stone built in, and what appears to be three different leather types surrounding it. The initials "S.L.B." are designed into the handle. That's the only information I have regarding it.Does anyone know anything about this particular razor brand? My limited search results didn't yield very much. I found absolutely no information on the four sided strop.

From what I've read on other threads, the Palmer was a high end Chicago hotel who had branded razors. However I'm not sure who manufactured them.
I have one that I won through the giveaway here and I love it. In fact I think I'll shave with her tomorrow

Thanks

A high end hotel, huh? I'd have never guessed! I suppose that makes more sense now, why it has no other makers marks on it. It gives me a nice shave (though again, I don't have much to compare it to). I ought to consider having it professionally honed.

Nice haul there. I've wanted a Palmer for a while now....for no other reason than the fact that I'm from Chicago and want a bit of my city's history in my collection. They pop up but they aren't always as nice as yours. I keep my eyes peeled and eventually one will surface again.

Originally Posted by SkyBlazer

Thanks

A high end hotel, huh? I'd have never guessed! I suppose that makes more sense now, why it has no other makers marks on it. It gives me a nice shave (though again, I don't have much to compare it to). I ought to consider having it professionally honed.

I don't know this but it's possible that they were made in Chicago. I don't recall the manufacturer but there was one formerly located about a block from my old office many, many years ago.

BTW, the hotel houses Smallflower/mere Apothecary.

Downtown Chicago Hotel - Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago, IL

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I don't know this but it's possible that they were made in Chicago. I don't recall the manufacturer but there was one formerly located about a block from my old office many, many years ago.

It's quite possible that they were made in Chicago. A high end hotel like the Palmer House provided amenities like straight razors for their guests to shave with.

Palmer, U.S.A. (UNUSED ~ SLICK SHAVER) 11/16 - Detailed item view - Our Online Shop

Probably German made. Looks 'Bokerish" to me! There were Boker 'Waldorf's" for that hotel. How many Boker's were from the Chicago Worlds Fair Colombian Exposition? The SS St. Louis?

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

Nice haul there. I've wanted a Palmer for a while now....for no other reason than the fact that I'm from Chicago and want a bit of my city's history in my collection. They pop up but they aren't always as nice as yours. I keep my eyes peeled and eventually one will surface again.

Not to make you jealous - but here's my Palmer 41 I won in the giveaway. Love it

Originally Posted by RoyalCake

Not to make you jealous - but here's my Palmer 41 I won in the giveaway. Love it

Mission accomplished.