Thread: Inherited straight razor

Looking for any info on my great grandfather's straight razor I inherited as a wedding present, looking for help!

It would be helpful if you could post clear close up photos of what is stamped on the tang of the razor. Short of that what is marked on the tang, both sides ?

Bob

One side has nothing, the other side says "century cutlery co." On the tang, and on the blade itself it says "High Grade" with scrollwork

"Century" trademark was used by at least 3 different cutlery companies in Solingen, Germany - in different time-frames of course.
Manah tells it "was the Gebrüder Bell trademarks. Gebrüder Bell was in business since 1876, registered 22th July 1899".
While "German Tool and Blade Makers" mentions that "Century (1921/2, no. 277813): Otto F. Stiehl, Finedge Stahlwarenfabrik Co. GmbH... Said to have been used from 31st July 1928 by Peter Altenbach & Söhne of Solingen-Ohligs."
Either way, it looks you have a very nice vintage Solingen blade in good condition, but what's even more important - a great family heirloom and a piece of your personal heritage.
Congratulations! Give it to a honemeister, and start using it.

Originally Posted by dimab

Congratulations! Give it to a honemeister, and start using it.

In many ways this is the real question: to use it like it was meant to be used, but also risk adding wear or even breaking it; or, put it in a cabinet as a show piece that will then be passed on again. There is no right answer to this. I was fortunate enough to inherit two and one I've kept locked away while the other I used because I love the sense of connection it give me with my family history.

You got a real working razor there. It has obviously seen some regular use and honing. So being that it is a family heirloom I would have it honed and use it occasionally but maybe not make it part of the regular rotation. That razor would be a nice one to pass down to another generation, so you might want to keep the use, and honing, very light. Also it has a lovely patina but no rust to speak of. Keep it oiled or keep it in a very dry location, so you don't have to one day buff out a bunch of rust.

That razor is definitely not jewelry. It is a tool. But it is a tool worth preserving for your descendants to enjoy owning.

My advice is if you’re not comfortable using a straight razor or if you are not up on honing and light restoration then get a practice razor and while practicing shaving and honing send the razor to Glen for a light restore and honing and enjoy it when getting back and it will last a lifetime

Heirloom razors are the most rare and coveted of them all. Plus having received it as a wedding gift makes it a pretty priceless piece. I too have my great grandfathers straight razor, and it gets used on special occasions or if I am feeling very nostalgic. I’m glad you posted yours, it’s nice to see an heirloom in happy hands.