Thread: French Razor Identity?

Could someone tell me a little bit about what I may have here? I was given this old straight razor and I'm in the middle of restoring it. I know that it is French, and that "Acier Fondu" translates to cast steel, but beyond that I know nothing else about the maker or when it might have been made. Its scales were so riddled with bug holes that I couldn't save them, but its nearly full wedge blade is still in good condition. Could someone please help me?

Welcome to the forum, wish I could help.

Bob

Sweet looking razor, looked a bit on the french forums, but so far not much luck.

Certainly keep us posted if you find anything!

Most likely a very late 19th century Thiers razor.

A good reflex to have when you are looking for information on a French razor is this fine website
Couteliers Thiers

Here we can learn that Espinasse is a trademark created on the 10th of December, 1878
That certainly fits the shape of the blade, the shape of the tang and the shape of the scales.

So I'd say there's a real good chance that it's that same Espinasse

I find Thiers blades to be a bit fickle as far as restoration goes. Some are really good, some are just meh... Here the markers would make me think that it should be in the "nice" category. But you never know...

That is a cool site. Thanks.

The razor is in my opinion a manufacture of Nogent in the 1880s
Come Espinasse with the “C-E crowned” brand is a
wholesale of cutlery and hardware 213 rue Saint Martin in PARIS
It appears in the list of exhibitors in cutlery at the 1878 Universal Exhibition in PARIS.

And then, when you are a French connaisseur, and even though you might know a trick or two, you will always be humbled by Ferdi's knowledge.

Render unto Caesar...

I had a few doubts with this crown, the Thiers trademark would indeed rather come with a sword than a crown.

As for Nogent... I thought initially that maybe it could be the case, but the scales... Is it because it's Paris sold that you think Nogent, Ferdi ?

Well, when you change the scales midnight68, if you find a stamp near the pivot you will know that Ferdi is definitely right (he should be right either way)

And if it's a Nogent blade... The it's definitely a great blade

Originally Posted by Aggelos

Render unto Caesar...

Classy

Bob

Very nice.! Reminds me of my Chassaign.



By the way...those scales can easily be repaired, if your wanting to keep it all original.

Originally Posted by Aggelos

And then, when you are a French connaisseur, and even though you might know a trick or two, you will always be humbled by Ferdi's knowledge.

Render unto Caesar...

I had a few doubts with this crown, the Thiers trademark would indeed rather come with a sword than a crown.

As for Nogent... I thought initially that maybe it could be the case, but the scales... Is it because it's Paris sold that you think Nogent, Ferdi ?

Well, when you change the scales midnight68, if you find a stamp near the pivot you will know that Ferdi is definitely right (he should be right either way)

And if it's a Nogent blade... The it's definitely a great blade

mere impressions