Thread: Unknown Razor

How do you folks identify razors? Are there any sites that have lists of descriptions, marking, etc? Is it just that you all have fantastic memories and have collected razor lore and knowledge from all the far corners of the internet? Anyway, I found this razor while going through a few boxes of old knives, and wanted to find out what it was, and if I should try my amature hand at restoring it, or wait till I have a bit more experience under my belt. Of course, I'd still have to send it away for honing. Thanks guys!

It's a good one! Union Cutlery Co. made good razors and unless you are particular you could hone that one up and use it as is!

Yes, but how do you know? What source do you derive your information from? Or is this a closely guarded secret, and I should not pry to closely....

You could check the listings here for manufacturers:
http://www.uniclectica.com/stock/razors.html

It says on the blade union cutlery, a well known cutlery Co. in its day! You could try googling the name or try googling "uniclectica straight razor manufacturers and dates of operation! there are a few good straight razor books out there but I don't have any titles for you!

BMV, what does it say on the shank? I can see Union Cutlery and New York. Does it say anything else? Like Little Valley or Olean. This will make a difference in what information I can provide.

On the shank it says: Union A ________rks
New York, U.S.A.

The ____ part is where the letters have been completely worn off. That's everything that's written on the razor.

On the box it says: Germany, Brillant Brand. Manufactured by Brillant Cutlery Co. The cap says:
Each Razor Magnetized Price $3.00

I asked around a bit, and it turns out it was my father's grandfather's razor. So, my Great Grandfather, and I'm 23, if that helps you time wise...

Goins' Encyclopedia of Cutlery Markings lists 21 instances of companies using the "Union" marking in some way. Based on your razor, I believe it's one of these four (which appear to be the same company). I will list exactly what's written in this book:

Union Knife Works (curved) c.1911-1913
Union Knife Works New York (curved) c.1911-1913
Union (curved) (line) Knife Works NYC c. 1911-1913
Union Knife Works New York USA c. 1911-1913 Located on Main Street, in the village of Union, New York. This company was in existence for only a few years. It is unknown when they were founded, the 1911 date is the first city directory listing.

There is one more that may apply, but I listed the definite New York first, as the most probable. The other possibility is as follows:
Union Manufacturing Company (curved) c. 1860-1953 A trademark used by Kayser, Ellison & Company.

The box probably isn't original to the razor.

Much obliged, you've been quite helpful! Over time I suspect I'll learn the more interesting tricks to razor identification, thanks!

Commonly, razors and boxes are mixed and matched as suits the seller. I would never use the box as any indicator. Look at the razor first and then look to see if the box matches.