Thread: Here's a noggin scratcher!

So, I picked up a Clauss the other day with a rather strange inscription on one side...

Ajandek H. Rippen
dohanyhoz

Now this is bizarre for two reasons, one is that despite seeming like a name, it is formed of a mix of Hungarian and German words, which translate to the unlikely phrase "Gift H. Ribs to tobacco". I'm assuming a previous owner wanted to give some hot ribs to the tobacco indusrty (I mean, they take so much flak! Who doesn't like good BBQ ribs?)

The other thing that's strange is that I discovered an old SRP Yahoo group post where someone found the same inscription on a WM ELLIOT & Co razor. Two different makers, the same strange inscription. What do you fellows think of this little mystery? :P

...that is very strange...im to tired to figure it out right now...will report back in the morning...

Yeah, I have no notion what it's about. So I thought I'd share the strangeness. :P

Its that guy who puts strange inscriptions on razors to drive you crazy. He's at it again.

My guess is its some idiomatic expression which can't be translated literally because it then makes no sense.

maybe the clue is in which words ar Hungarian and which are German.

My research leads to razors specially modified to cut hair on the head. I do come up with gift as well. There is a company called Ajendeck that specializes in unusual gifts for executives.

But I think the razors being modified for head shaving by a second company is most likely.

MEHRZWECK-RASIERER - Dokument EP1244537

the word Rippen is used to describe the ridges which were positioned to allow better control.

"has selectively positioned ridges (Rippen) in said upper side to form friction gripping surfaces for the fingers of the user of said razor."

As you say that is a "noggin scratcher"; literally.

My guess would be a tabacconist/gift store, maybe called H. Rippen, that sold these razors.

It is a clue to an invisible treasure map on the back of the worlds first barber manual.