Thread: American Straights- Wild Caught

Still fairly new to straight razor shaving, but I am really enjoying it. I have a degree in history, so the vintage razors are a lot of fun to track down information on them. I did my google research, and found a little bit already. I want to learn to hone razors, so have been looking for ones to practice on. I took a few pictures as I found them, and a few more after a round of Bar Keeper’s Friend.

Razor #1
“WR Case and Sons, Bradford, PA.” (1905-1914) “Registered No. 023 Warranted for Life” 5/8 straight. Round toe, Bakelite scales, looks like significant hone wear, with a slight frown. Both scales are chipped and broken past the pin, and the blade has some pitting and active rust. Hone wear on both sides. Based on the condition of this one, I think it’s a good candidate to try and practice honing on. Anything else I should know?

Razor #2
“Cattaraugus Cutlery Company, Little Valley” small straight. Company was open from 1886-1963 in New York. Blade is about 2.25 inches long, and just under 4/8^th. It wasn’t cut down unless the scales were redone to match. Scales appear to be horn with a white plastic wedge, and have some cracks. I doubt they could be removed, cleaned, and repined without breaking. There is some rust on the spine side of the toe, and near the pivot point. I haven’t seen much on razors in this size, any information about the size or the maker? The steel and overall condition of this one makes me wonder if I should send it out to be cleaned up, rather than using it to learn honing on.

Sorry, man! You are now addicted. http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...llow-conn.html

I can't offer much, but I do know that Cattaraugus had early ties with Case. They made very high quality blades, and their knives are quite collectible to this day. I have a nice Cattaraugus blade that my wife picked out (she liked the red scales), and can attest to the quality of their work.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Sorry, man! You are now addicted. http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...llow-conn.html

I got 8 pages into that, and will have to come back to it later. Awesome information. Thank you for the link.

Originally Posted by DocMartin0321

I can't offer much, but I do know that Cattaraugus had early ties with Case. They made very high quality blades, and their knives are quite collectible to this day. I have a nice Cattaraugus blade that my wife picked out (she liked the red scales), and can attest to the quality of their work.

That's a nice looking razor. Are the scales original?

I found my two in a mower repair shop, along with four nice DEs, including a Slim and a Bakelite razor. Mower isn't fixed yet, but I am pretty happy with the shop.

they have some possibility but as far as razors to practice learning to hone on i would personally find some in better shape. i know from personal experience that it can be hard enough to hone without having to correct a frown or other problem. be aware that rust can go a loot deeper than just the surface. make sure the bevel can be set before putting too much work into the restoration,JMHO

Originally Posted by Drygulch

That's a nice looking razor. Are the scales original?

I found my two in a mower repair shop, along with four nice DEs, including a Slim and a Bakelite razor. Mower isn't fixed yet, but I am pretty happy with the shop.

Yes sir, I believe that they were the brainchild of George Corn. Pretty cool, and very comfortable.
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...nt-1906-a.html

Hope the link works.

Mower shop? Wow, goes to show that you have to keep your eyes peeled at all times. Lol

If I was beginning I wouldn't be learning on those razors. You have some serious pitting near the edge. You need to check that rust first and see if there is good metal. There are better razors to learn on.