Thread: Damascus, Snakes and Magnet Steel

Here is my mystery razor - no manufacturer's name, no country of origin, blade engraved "Damascus" with intertwined snakes [blade is not real Damascus] and tang is stamped Magnet Steel. Seems like early 20th century snake oil sales material?

Closer look at the blade of the mystery razor.

very cool. and next to no hone wear. Nice find.

I'm wondering if "Damascus" could be the manufacturer's name, rather than just false advertising?

It's not false advertising, It's "marketing"

Crucible steels were used by vintage razor makers & marketed in a number of ways eg W&B's 'fine India steel". Damascus would have been a general marketing term as well.
Sounds more exotic than "cast steel"

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crucible_steel

Originally Posted by Portsecurity

Here is my mystery razor - no manufacturer's name, no country of origin, blade engraved "Damascus" with intertwined snakes [blade is not real Damascus] and tang is stamped Magnet Steel. Seems like early 20th century snake oil sales material?

Yeah okay snake oil.... But the question is how does it shave? Do them snakes bite?

I will let you know later this morning!

Originally Posted by Johntoad57

Yeah okay snake oil.... But the question is how does it shave? Do them snakes bite?

Disclosure: I have only been SR shaving on and off about 3 months and do not have 100 shaves in yet, so it is logical that each subsequent shave has the potential to be better than the last.

I had sent this razor to Razor Emporium for honing, as that is not yet a skill I have. This morning I used some Suavecito Pre-Shave Oil and TOBS Coconut Luxury Shave Cream. After 3 WTG passes (that's the only direction I go at this point) I was enjoying it so much I took a 4th. Finished up with Long Rifle Company Bay Rhum Shave Tonic.

Excellent very smooth shave, no pulling, no nicks. No doubt due to the "Magnet Steel!" Great start to the day.

Check out the Bay Run thread on the home page. All you ever wanted to know.

Originally Posted by Portsecurity

Disclosure: I have only been SR shaving on and off about 3 months and do not have 100 shaves in yet, so it is logical that each subsequent shave has the potential to be better than the last.

I had sent this razor to Razor Emporium for honing, as that is not yet a skill I have. This morning I used some Suavecito Pre-Shave Oil and TOBS Coconut Luxury Shave Cream. After 3 WTG passes (that's the only direction I go at this point) I was enjoying it so much I took a 4th. Finished up with Long Rifle Company Bay Rhum Shave Tonic.

Excellent very smooth shave, no pulling, no nicks. No doubt due to the "Magnet Steel!" Great start to the day.

Outstanding! Keep after it and it will all work out for you!