Thread: Mandarin Razor Origin Question

So I came across a razor recently that perplexed me a bit. The box states the razor was "Real German Hollow Ground". However, the tang stamps on the back of the tang are "Mathieu Gembloux" and in a much smaller, lighter stamp "Belgique".

I thought Mandarin razors were a Solingen brand from Goedecke & Co. However, the Belgique stamp is confusing me. I am not sure as to whether it was Solingen made and sold in the Belgian market or if it was made in Belgium.

If anyone has any information I would appreciate any insight. Thanks!

Here is one that will confuse you; I have a straight razor that reads 'Pranafa' & 'Solingen' on the front of the tang, says 'Finest Sheffield Steel Forged and Real Hollow Ground In Germany' on the back of the tang but the gold plating on the blade is in Greek............

What is stamped on the front of the tang? Does it match what is one the box? A lot of times when you find a vintage straight razor the box does not always match the razor. I know this doesn't directly answer your question but a little more info is needed and pics would help a lot....we love pics. I don't have any info on your razor but by posting pics might help someone with more knowledge on razors answer your questions. Be sure to take close ups of the tang, front & back, and the box. The more info you post the easier for someone to help. Hope this helps!

How does she shave? That is what really counts. Enjoy!

To my best knowledge Mandarin is indeed a trademark name under the Goedecke & Co. brand.

Goedecke & Co. GmbH. Solingen-Merscheid: Kölner Strasse 144 in 1908, Beethovenstrasse 258-60 in 1939. Brand names: ... 'Mandarin' (1898) ....


I'm from Belgium and I am very fortunate to have inherited my great-grandfather's and HIS father's shaving gear (along with a natural combo coti + strop).

Both these razors have the Mandarin head logo, BUT they are stamped on the tang by a local shop nearby here called C H Suy Louvain, a local store that sells all kinds of cutlery, my grandparents often went there as well.

My great-great grandfather's razor was stored in a box with German inscriptions, my great-grandfather's razor (basically the same razor) came in a box with the CH Suy Louvain inscription.

It took me a while before realizing the store that put their stamp on the tang didn't actually make the razors.

I'm 99.9% positive these razors are German imports and stamped by the local shop that sold 'em.

It took me a decade to stumble upon that logo on other razors and it eventually led me to Goedecke in Solingen.

Definitely Solingen made and sold in the Belgian market, same as my case.



After visiting people nearby that were selling old straight razors I've stumbled across many razors stamped with CH Suy Louvain.
It were always German brands and logos on them.

I've also bought a Mandarin razor from a local guy, the razor had the Mandarin head as logo, but it also said "Mandarin" on the razor tang as well as Solingen! And CH Suy Louvain on the other side.

Originally Posted by TristanLudlow

To my best knowledge Mandarin is indeed a trademark name under the Goedecke & Co. brand.

Goedecke & Co. GmbH. Solingen-Merscheid: Kölner Strasse 144 in 1908, Beethovenstrasse 258-60 in 1939. Brand names: ... 'Mandarin' (1898) ....


I'm from Belgium and I am very fortunate to have inherited my great-grandfather's and HIS father's shaving gear (along with a natural combo coti + strop).

Both these razors have the Mandarin head logo, BUT they are stamped on the tang by a local shop nearby here called C H Suy Louvain, a local store that sells all kinds of cutlery, my grandparents often went there as well.

My great-great grandfather's razor was stored in a box with German inscriptions, my great-grandfather's razor (basically the same razor) came in a box with the CH Suy Louvain inscription.

It took me a while before realizing the store that put their stamp on the tang didn't actually make the razors.

I'm 99.9% positive these razors are German imports and stamped by the local shop that sold 'em.

It took me a decade to stumble upon that logo on other razors and it eventually led me to Goedecke in Solingen.

Definitely Solingen made and sold in the Belgian market, same as my case.



After visiting people nearby that were selling old straight razors I've stumbled across many razors stamped with CH Suy Louvain.
It were always German brands and logos on them.

I've also bought a Mandarin razor from a local guy, the razor had the Mandarin head as logo, but it also said "Mandarin" on the razor tang as well as Solingen! And CH Suy Louvain on the other side.

thank you very much for the information. This razor indeed has the Mandarin head and Mandarin name on the front of the tang and the, I'm guessing, local shop/distributor's name on the back of the tang with the model number (231). This isn't my razor...yet...but I certainly will be trying to acquire it. Especially now that I know it is a Solingen blade. I really enjoy finding lesser known brands and makers, like the Mandarin.

Yes, it is not uncommon to find razors made in Germany, England and other places with the name of the importer or local retailer on them also. The same goes for the type of steel used as in Sheffield steel used to make a German razor.

Bob

Mine also have a model number on 'em and "garanti" I believe as well

Originally Posted by TristanLudlow

Mine also have a model number on 'em and "garanti" I believe as well

I somehow seem to recall "garanti" being a trade name that a specific Solingen maker used at one time. I think it was buried in this somewhere Razor makers

Bob

I see

Garanti is also french for guaranteed" / "with warranty".

I have Swedish, French and German razors that have that inscription on 'em

Originally Posted by TristanLudlow

It took me a while before realizing the store that put their stamp on the tang didn't actually make the razors.

I'm 99.9% positive these razors are German imports and stamped by the local shop that sold 'em.
.

Why would you buy a razor and then stamp it yourself. I would think they would just order the razor with their stamp on it.

Originally Posted by 32t

Why would you buy a razor and then stamp it yourself. I would think they would just order the razor with their stamp on it.

Oh, yeah, oops, I meant german imports stamped with the name of the local shop that sold 'em