Thread: Boker "Edelweiss" - In its Original Box

Hey there.

My mom bought this razor for me when she saw it at some antique sale. Twenty or thirty bucks, I think she paid.

I only own one or two other Bokers, and have never before come across an "Edelweiss."

I checked out a .pdf file someone posted in the last couple of days and it said that Edelweiss was "in production" around 1902 - 1903. Does anyone know whether razors with this brand on them are restricted to this period, or is it more broad than that? I'm just curious because I like to be able to date my razors to as a specific a period as possible, when possible.

Anyway, it's in fantastic condition. Full hollow. Original box, which closes in a very crisp fashion. Edge has little to no established bevel and the sides of the spine have only the slightest bit of shine from what looks to be brief honing -- and not all the way across as you often see, but just a touch near the centre.

I've yet to hone it up, but I like the 5/8 size in razors. It's a very functional, down to business size. Utilitarian. It's not an ornament - it's a tool. On the other hand, the engravings on the face of this razor's blade are pretty nice. And because they're not etched on like, say, the gold leaf on certain Thiers-Issard blades, it's not likely to fade, even if I aggressively polish it. Heck, it's probably lasted over a hundred years so far.

So yeah... if you know about this particular razor, please chime in and tell me what you know. Any documents that can substantiate its date of origin would be helpful too.

Have a look.

I don't know about the particular razor. But, does your Mom take adoptions??!!

Mighty nice. I hear they are great shavers too.

I'll chime in alright, I have owned one myself, and have honed 3, everyone of them has been an exceptionally smooth edge, even by Boker standards...

I had one in great nick that i got from ebay .They are amazing shavers & take a great edge. Unfortunatly mine only lasted a short time as I dropped it ( this was a first for me) & chipped the blade ..Paul

That's a sweet find. Those are amazing shavers, and it would have cost way more in any other setting (classifieds, ebay, etc.)

I have a similar one, but with a ivory-like handle:




Mine has a little bit of a bow in the blade which makes for some more interesting honing. Which, I haven't really attempted to deal with appropriately. It is sharp enough currently to shave with but I prefer my king cutter right now. Maybe I'll dedicate a little time this weekend to honing this one up a little.

I would be interested in knowing how any attempt at polishing yours goes. I have been a little hesitant to polish mine because of my apparent lack of skill with a polishing wheel. I am sure that when I am done it would be shiny, but it would all be shiny, no satin parts left.

Man thats sweet and looks almost new !

I typically polish my razors by hand, using Autosol (another fine German product) and some paper towels - to maximize waste.

I've used my Dremel on them before, but all that often. I don't go near decorative work with high RPM's whenever possible. Usually my razor purchases are in pretty good shape.

pirating - Yeah, I know it's a good razor and that it would fetch quite a bit more in another market setting. What remains to be seen is whether it'll shave well for me. I'm betting that it will. The stone is soaking presently.

So can anyone tell me when this was made?

That was a very nice find your Mom made. I hope you bought her a nice bunch of flowers to thank her! It looks to be on very good condition. I have a copple of Bokers and they shave fine