Thread: Craftsman straight razors?

I was looking at purchasing a craftsman straight razor, and was wondering about the quality of the blade, did craftsman make them or if not what company did? I know craftsman used to make very good quality products, just debating on wether to pull the trigger on this one. Thanks for looking and giving your opinions.

I have one very similar along with the matching Strop

From my research on them it seems that this one was made by Kohler (sp*) some of the others seem to be made by ERN

I can tell you that the "Chromized" blades are exceptional, especially if you like Wicked Sharp Synthetic edges, that steel will hold them

Originally Posted by gssixgun

I have one very similar along with the matching Strop

From my research on them it seems that this one was made by Kohler (sp*) some of the others seem to be made by ERN

I can tell you that the "Chromized" blades are exceptional, especially if you like Wicked Sharp Synthetic edges, that steel will hold them

That's exactly what I was wanting to know Glen. I do seem to be fond of a very sharp edge. I was just wasn't wanting to hand over my hard earned money for a razor to just have as a display piece, thank you Glen I'll post more pics when it arrives

Thanks for the inspiration for an afternoon shave. My blade doesn't say "Chromized" but has a wonderful edge. Yours looks like a beauty.

Originally Posted by Mrchick

Thanks for the inspiration for an afternoon shave. My blade doesn't say "Chromized" but has a wonderful edge. Yours looks like a beauty.

That is a nice blade too. Simple yet sophisticated.

Be very careful purchasing Craftsman razor with the scales pictured, they are very prone to off gassing and full blown cell rot.

While the auction photo you posted, shows no visible sign, the lack of clear, close up photos always me suspicious, especially when paying the kind of money these razors command.

Probably in part, because so few survive.

I have a couple and they are shavers.

Originally Posted by Euclid440

Be very careful purchasing Craftsman razor with the scales pictured, they are very prone to off gassing and full blown cell rot.

While the auction photo you posted, shows no visible sign, the lack of clear, close up photos always me suspicious, especially when paying the kind of money these razors command.

Probably in part, because so few survive.

I have a couple and they are shavers.

A little off topic, but is that a trait of cracked ice scales in general? This isn't the first time I have heard that. I have one razor with them that I really like, and the scales look great, but I could care less compared to the blade.

Am I correct that if I am using the razor regularly and paying attention to it, no problem, but maybe don't store it away long term without watching it; maybe store it quarantined? Maybe just rescale the darn thing and not have to worry about it?

Sorry for the hijack.

Originally Posted by PickledNorthern

A little off topic, but is that a trait of cracked ice scales in general? This isn't the first time I have heard that. I have one razor with them that I really like, and the scales look great, but I could care less compared to the blade.

Am I correct that if I am using the razor regularly and paying attention to it, no problem, but maybe don't store it away long term without watching it; maybe store it quarantined? Maybe just rescale the darn thing and not have to worry about it?

Sorry for the hijack.

Yes, the cracked ice scales, and similar designs of vintage scales, are celluloid. As it ages (with heat and sunlight/UV rays as contributing factors), it breaks down chemically, releasing acidic gas that chews up metal. It was an early form of plastic, and is still available for special order online for similar uses.

I forgot to mention that if there is EVER any signs of the scales breaking down, or rust on the blade OR pins, it will require quarantine at the very least! Inevitably, it generally leads to rescaling.

One of the members here, possibly Geezer (Richard), maybe Sharpton, I don't recall whom right now... has a nifty display chock full of fancy & pretty scaled SRs that circulates air through it.

The shaving brush in the middle conceals a small fan, and there are vent holes around the diameter.

Koeller made some, Ern also, but I like the Koeller best. I have one where the box is marked 'Kayser-Ellison Steel, which is a Koeller made pre WWII Craftsman 'Sta-Sharp. First class razors. The oddest thing about them, even though they were made in Solingen, the blade doesn't say that anywhere. Just the Sears-Roebuck marking.