Thread: Dorchester of Chicago Illinois

When I told my father I was interested in straight razor shaving he gave me this razor. It has light etching that says "Dorchester Co. Chicago Illinois." It was my grandfather's.

It's in rough shape, obviously not shave ready. I'm considering learning to restore this razor in the future. I was wondering if anyone knows anything about this company, our whether it's worth restoring. I can't find anything on the net. It's kinda driving me nuts.

Welcome aboard mate
It is an Heirloom, It's restorable & worth restoring 'properly'.
Seriously send it out to someone with the skills to get it up to scratch and keep that family heritage doing what it was made for then you could pass it on to your grand kids

Sorry can't help with the company
Sure someone will be along who can

Also add your location to your profile and someone could be right next door who can help

I agree with substance. Some significant hone wear in the middle of the spine but the cutting edge itself seems fine. I'd send it to a professional since it's an heirloom. Can't help on the company, but congrats on the family razor...I wish I had something like that from my family.

Make that three sharing that thought. Unless of course what you are planning to do is put that away, buy a shave ready razor and learn to shave, then buy some old razors and learn hands on how to do the restoration process without killing your heirloom and then restoring it. Both are good path, but I would not restore my heirloom before I got my hands dirty somewhere else first. There is however a very large section in the workshop forum dedicated to instructional threads from some of the experienced members here.

Originally Posted by RezDog

Make that three sharing that thought. Unless of course what you are planning to do is put that away, buy a shave ready razor and learn to shave, then buy some old razors and learn hands on how to do the restoration process without killing your heirloom and then restoring it. Both are good path, but I would not restore my heirloom before I got my hands dirty somewhere else first. There is however a very large section in the workshop forum dedicated to instructional threads from some of the experienced members here.

That is indeed what I mean. Sorry I wasn't clear. The biggest thing is the lack of information on this razor. Very frustrating.

After your razor is restored and you shave with it, you will feel a sense of pride. I know because I shave with my Granddad's razor and it's like he is looking over my shoulder with a big smile.

Originally Posted by arfman2882

That is indeed what I mean. Sorry I wasn't clear. The biggest thing is the lack of information on this razor. Very frustrating.

With there being so many small makers and company branded razors made over seas it sometimes is a near impossible feat. Perhaps one of the guys with good resources and research skills in these matters will come up with something. I have my great grandfather razor, it is a wonder to shave with. It comes out for special occasions and when I am feel in nostalgic. I hope all goes well with yours, fortunately it does not need a lot of work. You should give it a good cleaning with 0000 steel wool and some metal polish before you oils it and put it up.

Thank you.

Just polished and oiled the razor. There was some active rust. One I polished it off there seems to be some discoloration underneath. At least it's prettier now.