Looking for Information on Recently Inherited Straight Razor

I have recently inherited a straight razor that belonged to my wife's late grandfather. I know he bought it in Germany in either 51 or 52 while he was stationed there during the Korean war. Can anybody help me identify or provide any information that may relate to this straight razor (brand, quality, etc.)? The blade is stamped with 1a silberstahl garanti solingen. I believe this means that it is a high quality silver steel blade that is guaranteed and made in Solingen, Germany, but does not have anything to do with the maker/brand. Thanks in advance for any info/help.

Pictures of the straight razor: Grandpa's Razor - Imgur

I can't help, but wanted to say that is a great looking razor.

Google translate says that it means something along the lines of Guaranteed Silversteel Solingen. Should be a fine shave.

Get her profesionally honed and let us know how she shaves!

Matt

Thanks! Already on its way to a professional.

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Originally Posted by TapeDeck

Thanks! Already on its way to a professional.

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Smart move. Welcome to SRP.

Dave

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Originally Posted by TapeDeck

Thanks! Already on its way to a professional.

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I recently heard about a "professional". A Straight Razor Honing Professional? Where/how did you find the honer?

Hate to say we have seen nightmares where people with (perhaps) knife expertise but no special razor training have mangled razors badly. A skilled razor honer is essential.

Lovely piece, by the way.

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Originally Posted by MisterMoo

A Straight Razor Honing Professional?! Where/how did you find the honer? hate to say we have seen nightmares where people with (perhaps) knife expertise but no special razor training have mangled things badly. A skilled razor honer is essential.

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I purchased the services already but planned on shipping out the razor tomorrow. I was referred by a number of individuals to https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShaveSmith from "www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge". If you have any negative feedback from this vendor, please let me know, but I have only seen good reviews thus far.

Welcome to SRP. Nice blade. Of course it is obvious that Sllberstahl is silver steel. AFAIK that marking was more common before WWII. Couldn't say who the maker is. Haven't heard one way or another about the vendor you linked to. :gl:

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. Nice blade. Of course it is obvious that Sllberstahl is silver steel. AFAIK that marking was more common before WWII. Couldn't say who the maker is. Haven't heard one way or another about the vendor you linked to. :gl:

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I initially tried finding a vendor that hones straight razors here first but could not easily locate any recommendations. Is there a place where trusted vendors are listed for SRP for future use?

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Originally Posted by TapeDeck

I purchased the services already but planned on shipping out the razor tomorrow. I was referred by a number of individuals to https://www.etsy.com/shop/ShaveSmith from "www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge". If you have any negative feedback from this vendor, please let me know, but I have only seen good reviews thus far.

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I can't offer any feedback on that site or who may be behind it. If you'd like a recommendation of someone here that does honing, PM me and I will let you know who I trust.

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Originally Posted by OCDshaver

I can't offer any feedback on that site or who may be behind it. If you'd like a recommendation of someone here that does honing, PM me and I will let you know who I trust.

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+1 to OCDshaver's note -
The razor looks to be NOS or unused.
PM any one of the Senior Members if you need to ask us: "who would you send the family heirloom to?"

It is so rare for any of us to get to use something from past generations that we all tend to be very protective of these special pieces of history.

Smooth shaving....

As far as trusted vendors for products and services, it is a pretty safe bet that the shops that advertise on the site are o the up and up and that the members who offer services here Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds are a safe bet. As far as ShaveSmith goes, I have heard good things. Let us know how it works out.

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Originally Posted by MattCB

As far as trusted vendors for products and services, it is a pretty safe bet that the shops that advertise on the site are o the up and up and that the members who offer services here Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds are a safe bet. As far as ShaveSmith goes, I have heard good things. Let us know how it works out.

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Ah! Thanks. The first post on there is the one I was specifically looking for. I would have loved to have had it honed by Lynn. The man is turning quickly into a legend. :)

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Originally Posted by TapeDeck

Ah! Thanks. The first post on there is the one I was specifically looking for. I would have loved to have had it honed by Lynn. The man is turning quickly into a legend. :)

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He's already a legend, and not just in his own mind .......... ;) send it to Lynn. He would be pleased to hone it for you.

Got the razor back a couple of weeks ago. Great vendor for sharpening. 10/10 would trust again. Now having the best shaves of my life. :)

Glad to hear it all worked out for ya!! GORGEOUS razor btw, I love the spine work!

Chris

I have a pair of 6/8 razors that look very much like yours. The spine stippling is very similar. My razors are stamped Freidel Koch Solingen. They shave like no other that I own. One is marked Thursday and the other Tuesday

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Originally Posted by cubancigar2000

I have a pair of 6/8 razors that look very much like yours. The spine stippling is very similar. My razors are stamped Freidel Koch Solingen. They shave like no other that I own. One is marked Thursday and the other Tuesday

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Awesome! Thanks for the pointer. Will have to research a little more now that I have a starting point. Do you have any pictures you are willing/able to share?

Unfortunately Goin's Encyclopedia of Cutlery (a pretty predominant source of razor maker info) will of no help in your research. It has a listing for L.A. Silberstahl Garantie Solingen but provides zero information for it -- probably because it translates to Silver Steel Guaranteed Solingen without any actual maker name, and is therefore very difficult to trace back to the actual manufacturer...