Thread: George Butler and Co Counterfeit?

Hello everyone, I am new to this site. I got a batch of straight razors in a recent auction. One is marked "The original Key Razor manufactured only by George Butler & Co, Sheffeild England". There is a box with it. The only information I can find on something similar is the "KEEN" razor. One of the sites I researched said Butler was widely copied. Could this be a counterfeit?

I think pre copyright everyone was widely copied as far as style goes. There was a wee bit of using others marks that went on I’m sure, but I think the vintage razors that did not get pitched long ago for being garbage are all good razors. The people that made razors were basically subcontractors in the masters shop, and paid rent to keep their space in the shop and there was a lot of side work that went on. I’d say it is likely an original, as were pretty much all of them that we see nowadays.

Butler used the Key.

The 'Key' and the 'ART' mark where both George Butler marks. See my post here for the inside of a George Butler case featuring both of the company's corporate marks: https://straightrazorpalace.com/cust...re-s-head.html

Just to note that it is not unusual to find old adverts proclaiming counterfeits are out there, many imitations, even evidence of lawsuits, etc.
These claims are usually followed by 'Beware' and suggest buying from a reputable and authorized dealer.
I think a lot is simply advertising. Was not a lot of money in imitating something such as this.
Not worth the risk and work!

Like..'OUR stuff is SO good they are copying it!!'
JMO