Thread: Grandpa's razor, any idea what this is??

The box the razor was in, was a H. Bokers & Co. But this doesn't appear to be one of theirs. Any ideas? It says "A. Colletti, Solingen Germany" on one side and "Hy Tone" on the other, I could only find one mention of this name in a forum, but it was never answered. No matter what it is (and I am guessing worth about $12 from what I have seen) I have my grandpa's razor, and I am going to learn to shave with a piece of my family's history!

Thanks, I am new to all of this.

B-

There is a forum rule to not discuss values. An heirloom like yours is priceless though. My guess would be that A Colletti was a store that had razors made with their name stamped on them. If you can find who used the trade mark Hy Tone you might be able to find the maker. Being made in Solingen it is a quality razor. Sorry I could not be more helpful.

Your razor looks to be in good condition and should clean up nicely. You can clean the blade yourself or send it out to have it done. For honing, it will need it, I would send it out for that fore sure. Good luck with learning to shave with it and lastly welcome to the forum.

Bob

Looks to have some patina with out any rust, at least from the pics shown. Hit it with some elbow grease and metal polish and you might be surprised how well it shines up. I'd send it off to be honed by a pro, check out the member services in the classifieds. Looks to be a nice wedge grind German razor. Definitely a keeper and should shave super once cleaned up and honed. Congratulations on actually having your Gramps' razor, wish I had mine!

You may want to consider buying another razor to learn with. The logic being that in learning we tend to ding things up a bit, and that one has way more value than money. Get a similar learning razor and keep that one for special shaves. I love my Great Grandfathers razor. It is what got me started and it delivers the perfect shave every time.

Thanks so much, sorry about putting a "$" amount, it was my way of saying that it probably has no real value, but means everything to me. Just hate the idea that I brock a rule on my first post!

B-

Originally Posted by Brentj

Thanks so much, sorry about putting a "$" amount, it was my way of saying that it probably has no real value, but means everything to me. Just hate the idea that I brock a rule on my first post!

B-

No worries, just thought I would mention the rule for future reference. You are absolutely right that the razor is invaluable to you. I have my deceased father in laws razor and view it the same way. Check out the library section of the forum, it is full of good info to get you started. Any questions feel free to ask them here. I think everyone wants to see you off to a good start.

Bob

A. Colletti was a distributor based out of Chicago, Illinois around 1900.
I'm pretty sure that G D Abrams and Son owned the name HyTone.

Hopefully someone will be along that knows more.

It's definitely worth cleaning up and preserving it even if you don't shave with it, but using it to shave is even better.

Having an Heirloom is indeed 'Priceless'!

While I could clean and hone your razor for you, I highly recommend that you send it out to a Pro at least for the first time. It is well worth the money to have the reassurance that it will be done right and with care.Vintage razors are just that 'Old' and things can go south and totally unexpectedly.

I've honed hundreds of razors for guys and starting a few years ago I started giving out a Disclaimer letting them know that the unforeseen can happen. I once had a pair of celluloid scales literately 'crumble' in my hand when I went to start to hone it.

I do have a favorite Pro, PM me if you would like the reference.

This Age Old Art has a Huge Learning Curve, but once semi mastered is very rewarding. It's a Long Strange Trip but Well Worth the Journey

Sanfte Rasur, mein Klingenbruder!

(Smooth Shaving My Brother In Blades)

Originally Posted by Brentj

The box the razor was in, was a H. Bokers & Co. But this doesn't appear to be one of theirs. Any ideas? It says "A. Colletti, Solingen Germany" on one side and "Hy Tone" on the other, I could only find one mention of this name in a forum, but it was never answered. No matter what it is (and I am guessing worth about $12 from what I have seen) I have my grandpa's razor, and I am going to learn to shave with a piece of my family's history!

Thanks, I am new to all of this.

B-

I'm a minimalist at heart, and these are the kinds of razors I love. Something I may have picked up locally for myself if I lived 100 or so years ago. Small, smart, and built to last. I wish my grandparents had left behind something like that.

I am overwhelmed with how helpful you all are. Thank you! I will take all the advice, and I will restore it (or I mean have it restored) and I will not learn on it as to not ruin it. Really good inspiration to learn though.