Kram razor - looking for info and advice

So I found this in a junk (sorry "antique") shop at the weekend.

I have managed to hone it, I think my honing skills are developing too. It was without a doubt the best edge I have managed to get on a razor.

I am looking for some information really. It's obviously German, but I don't think Solingen and I don't think it's all that old maybe 1950s.

Additionally I am looking for some advice about restoration. It is in pretty good condition, there are a few dark spots on it, but they don't affect the shave. There is some fine jimping on the underside where the thumb goes. These are black and are my biggest concern. So I am wondering is it worth getting it restored or should I just leave it? Also is there anyone here in the UK that could look at it for me?

As always, thank you all for your help and advice.

Attachment 275626

Nice looking razor, is the black just gunk or rust? A small wire brush should clean it up.

Hi Grazor, I think it is more likely rust. It's not at all deep but it didn't wash off so I'm pretty sure it's not just gunk.

Thanks for the advice, I will add small wire brush to my shopping list. Do I just need to brush it or should I add WD40 or something of that nature?

Lovely old 3 pin razor you've found, congrats. Sure look like a typical Solingen made razor. I'd try what Grazor suggested and use a wire brush. If that does not take it all away you could add some WD40 or metal polish to the process.

I looked here Razor makers and found a possibility for a maker by the name of Julius Kratz & Co with the brand name Kramerso. I am thinking it may have been shortened to KRAM on the razors.

Bob

What Bob said. I use a wire wheel in a dremel, gone in seconds. Can't recommend it unless you are very comfortable with power tools, razor gone in less than a second...
Looks very much like a Gotta.

Yea, I have always been cautious about using Dremel tools so I use a small wire or brass brush, looks like a large tooth brush, for working on the jimps. I find them at the Dollar Store.

Bob

small spots of rust can also be worked at with a hard leaded pencil like a 9h (or even a regular one if that's all you've got). Nice razor!

I wouldnt worry about the marks as they dont sound like active rust, could just be patina.
As Grazor said looks just like a Gotta.

OK, now I have to ask another question...

What is a Gotta?

Gotta "120" 11/16 - Shave Library

Fine razors

Bob

Mine is much closer to 7/8 or maybe even 8/8. I haven't measured it but it is much deeper than some of my other razors.

Thank you all for the advice, I will be looking through my pencil drawer when I get home tonight.

I might be leading you up the garden path but here is a 15/6 or 8/8 Gotta
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...azors-die.html
Attachment 275634

Gotta was one of several tbrand names that Grah and Plumacher made razors under. Kram does not appear to be one of them. There is a resemblance to the Gotta though so maybe they were using similar blanks to make razors with.

Bob

Quote:

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Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

I might be leading you up the garden path but here is a 15/6 or 8/8 Gotta
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...azors-die.html
Attachment 275634

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I have had a closer look and mine is very similar to that indeed. Even down to the REG before and after the trade mark. Mine doesn't have 120 stamped on the tang though. It says genuine German ground made in Germany on the back of the tang. And it's hard to make out from the photo, but behind the KRAM on the blade it says Hamburg Ring.

I shaved with it again this morning (throwing my rotation out but I couldn't wait) and it is really great. It sings on the strop like no other razor I have.

The "Hamburg ring" seals the deal for me, the Gottas say it too.
Glad you like it, my Gotta sings like a canary too.

The "Hamburg Ring" on the blade is interesting as Wilhelm Boos used that, among others, as a trade name Razor makers . I know that just adds to the difficulty of trying to find who actually made the razor. It could easily just mean the razor is very hollow ground and the KRAM stamped on the tang is the maker. The main thing is that the razor appears to be a damn fine shaver, congrats.

Bob

I might be talking nonsense here (it happens with me I'm afraid) but I wonder if the ring in Hamburg Ring refers to the way that it sings. I believe that's where the Le Grelot gets its name from, I believe the translation for Le Grelot is the bell, but as I say it could just be nonsense.

You are right Bob, the important thing is the shave and I couldn't be happier with that.

Over the years there has been a lot of conjecture on this forum about what Hamburg Ring really means. That includes an area in/around Hamburg where grinding was done. IIRC I have one or two razors with that on the blade and they are very hollow ground and like to sing for their supper too.

Bob

Looks good!

So. Are jimps NOT supposed to be black? :shrug:

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Originally Posted by sharptonn

Looks good!

So. Are jimps NOT supposed to be black? :shrug:

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These are black because they are gunky with a little rust in there too. They aren't too bad and I keep having a go at them and they are improving. I think that I have decided to leave the other marks as they add character. So long as they aren't harming the razor in any way I think they look good.