Like/dislike JW Torrey?

Been looking for a larger blade spike and just picked up this:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...MEWN:IT&ih=001

The seller didn't post the blade size but it looks like it is at least a 6/8 possibly a 7/8. Hard to tell from the photos but is is bigger than what I have been using thus far. Hey, at least they didn't say in the description "it's about 10 inches long open...."

Anyone had good luck cleaning these up? I have found a very little about the Torrey in general, but what I have found seems favorable.

Thanks in advance....


v/r

Allen

I just got one from the bay for about $4.99.
It didn't have the etching yours has though.
I bought it with the idea of restoring it, but
mainly because it comes from my hometown.
Good luck with it. The one I have seems decent.

John

Allen:
These are 2 Torry's that I restored, Good solid American Steel, Mine cleaned up fairly easy and straight forward, Good luck with yours....

http://www.uniclectica.com Gives us this info
TORREY RAZOR CO
Worcester, Massachusetts
ca 1858 - 1963

The Guide to Razors 3rd edition gives slightly different dates
1880-1963 of operation...


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Attachment 5866

I'll let you know when I get mine back from Josh Earl. Mine has a barber's notch, not as nice as yours, but I'm looking forward to shaving with it.

Norm

Norm,

It's nicer now. :D Torrey razors are very good. There are literally dozens of excellent brands out there. Some of the "cult brands" are well known just because they are more common, not necessarily because they are that much better.

W&Bs are good, for example, but there are a lot of other Sheffield brands that shave just as well.

Josh

She ought to be a great shaver!

I'm a big fan of Torreys, the ones I've honed have had excellent steel, and have been great shavers.

I have a couple of Torrey's and really like them.

A Torrey is on my wish list. There are so many good blades out there...


Jordan

Based on the replies so far, I'm surprised there aren't more threads about them! Yes, I did search before posting..... :)

It seemed like they were OK but under the radar for collectors so the prices have stayed out of the ozone layer so far.

It should get here early next week. I'll clean her up and maybe replace the scales (depending on the shave and feel). This one and the Morley I picked up are my 1st true resto projects vice a basic clean-up. Glad to hear I have a good chance of starting with something wort the time and effort!

Proof even a blind squirrel gets a nut sometimes! :roflmao

I used to have a lot of information on here about Torreys, as they're one of my favorite brands. I think it's the best razor out there you can still pick up for a decent price. I've never had a bad one, out of 15-20 I've owned. In fact, I think I've still got 4-5 near mint ones lying around in my collection somewhere.

Most American razor manufacturers are well underrated and Torrey is certainly one of them. With the exception of Case most of them can still be had for very attractive prices on Eboy. I have one Torrey and its a super douper razor.

Just picked up a nice 6/8 French point with MOP covered tang. Can't wait to use it.