Thread: SSA Eskilstuna Sweden ?

I'm only bumping this thread because someone emailed me on ebay pointing this thread out and saying something about SSA not being "vintage." Not sure what he meant, but just to clear things up about the razor and the company....


Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation
SWEDISH STEEL FORGING CO
Trademark: SSA (Svenska Stalsmides Aktich)
Sole North American distributor: Eric Mellgren of 114-118 West 39th St, New York City
ca. 1918 - 1920

We now have 3 SSA blades, They are all really great shavers. You should have no problem with this one once it is honed up.

That is just like so many other razors I see here on the forum - not worth a damn; however, being the nice guy I am - I will give you back your initial investment plus $10 and I will properly dispose of it! <LOL> VERY NICE FIND.

Originally Posted by tomiso

Well, my first reaction was that it might be some kind of forgery.

I haven't tried it out yet. It need to be sharpened first

A forgery??????

Someone bought Engstrom, re-did the manufacturing facility and renamed is SSA. So in a way it's an Engstrom.

Looks awesome. Great Score.

The chances of it being a forgery is about 0. I don't think anyone has ever run across one here and the effort wouldn't make economic sense unless you start with say a DD Wonderedge and copy them but even then too many pristine ones would raise red flags. In any event they wouldn't copy a cheaper razor to begin with.

As far as the engraving goes sure they could do that then. Those oldtimers were very resourceful and the old technology isn't given its due these days. Many people think people in the early 20th century lived in mud huts and ate insects.

From personal experience and those photos that seems more like an etching than an engraving. Please correct me if I'm wrong. But if it is etched, they definately had that capability- it just takes the right acid and a good craftsman. They etched and engraved blades remember....

It looks to be a very well made razor. Quality all the way. If you don't want it, I will happily buy it from you!

Originally Posted by CarrieM

We now have 3 SSA blades, They are all really great shavers. You should have no problem with this one once it is honed up.

As CarrieM stated we just received our 3rd. Jr and I shaved with the last one we received it last night. They are all super smooth shavers. As far as cheap, maybe in cost at auction and the scales aren't anything fancy but the shave quality is up there with some of the best I have. Once honed properly you will enjoy your shaves with it. Congrats on a great purchase!!

Originally Posted by Leighton

I'm only bumping this thread because someone emailed me on ebay pointing this thread out and saying something about SSA not being "vintage." Not sure what he meant, but just to clear things up about the razor and the company....


Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation
SWEDISH STEEL FORGING CO
Trademark: SSA (Svenska Stalsmides Aktich)
Sole North American distributor: Eric Mellgren of 114-118 West 39th St, New York City
ca. 1918 - 1920

Another bump to this old thread and a thank you to Leighton for the info on SSA. Picked up a decent condition SSA straight razor today and this thread came up in a search for info. Looks like I got a smaller brother to the OP's razor. Same scales and point/spike point but in 5/8 size. Mine looks full hollow ground, with double shoulders, an almost strait spine and no jimps. It has the same trade mark between heel and pivot on the tang but Eskulstuna is spelt Eskilstuna on mine. On the opposite side of the tang from the trade on the monkey tail is marked Mellgren Co Sweden. Looks to be a plain Jane vanilla fudge Chevy of a straight razor. Needs a honing but it just may make a good daily shaver. If not no great loss, didn't pay much for it.

Bob