Thread: Razor Coffins

Hi Guys,

I am looking for a few razor coffins. The coffins at Classic Shaving are back ordered and Chrisgiraffe isn't taking new orders. Ideally I would like to find some coffins as inexpensive as Classic's - I am not sure I will be keeping all of these razors. Any ideas?

Thanks,
Eric

They do turn up on ebay occasionally.

Here some suggestions:

MESSER RÖDTER Solinger Fachgeschäft mit Schleiferei gegr. 1909 - Kochmesser Messer Scheren Rasiermesser Shop

Tasche Dovo für 1 Rasiermesser - MESSER RÖDTER Solinger Fachgeschäft mit Schleiferei gegr. 1909 - Kochmesser Messer Scheren Rasiermesser Shop

ZUb. Rasiermesser Etui - MESSER RÖDTER Solinger Fachgeschäft mit Schleiferei gegr. 1909 - Kochmesser Messer Scheren Rasiermesser Shop

Good hunting!

Thanks Kees, this company is new to me. I like that red coffin- very cool looking. I will keep these in mind for some of my definite keepers.


I would still be interested in a source for less expensive coffins (like the 4 dollar ones at classic shaving) for some of my "project" razors if anyone has any info.

Thanks,
Eric

You could try making your own out of paper mache. I reckon it could be done, but I have not given it a lot of thought, I must admit.

James.

Originally Posted by Jimbo

You could try making your own out of paper mache. I reckon it could be done, but I have not given it a lot of thought, I must admit.

James.

It's on my to do list.

Chris L

Good one Chris. I guess the biggest problem is coming up with the frame? The mache-ing part is probably easy enough. Finishing it off so it did not look like painted newspaper is probably another issue I suppose. (My last foray into paper mache was at about age 8 - we made a mask using a balloon, newspaper, glue, and non-toxic paint.... )

James.

I think the frame would be easy enough; a piece of wood the size of the interior of a selected vintage coffin would work as a frame.

My first step once I get around to this is soaking one of the many razor coffins I have to purposely dismantle it into its separate pieces. Then recreate one from those cut pieces.

The bigger challenge that I'd want to try to duplicate would the the great old black Sheffield coffins found with W&Bs, Joseph Elliot's etc. Those seem to be constructed differently than the plainer non-coffin shaped "coffins". The old Sheffield coffins almost look like very thin layers of paper were wrapped around the form (like papier mache) and hardened. The plainer coffins look to be layers of cardboard glued around the form and a thin decorative surface paper wrapped and glued to the outside. I've seen one or two Sheffield coffins where parts of the coffin were in very good condition and they seemed to have a glossy black surface. Then you get into the raised logos, etc on the Sheffield coffins that are really great. Were the coffins with raised logos, borders and designs pressed into a die?

Very cool stuff.

Chris L

Alright! That's what I'm talkin' 'bout!

Paper Mache coffins, here I come. Thanks Chris

James.

Pictures, Jimbo. We'll need pictures from you!!

Chris L

Eric, Which razor brands' coffins do you need? Some of us might have extras or vacant coffins to sell or trade. If you have a razor with the proper brand box or coffin, it is worth more for the next owner. Once I had a Shumate coffin with the original shaving instructions and warranty crammed down inside to act as a cushion to prevent the monkey tail from poking a hole in the box. Possibly. That was a neat find to see the 1920's font and hype. My first Wade & Butcher came with the original coffin. It was very old and had a faint smell of the soap used plus a tobacco scent. It ended up with a Mexican War and Civil War study group. Ironically, none of them use a straight razor; therefore, it is just a collector piece to be handled and passed around. In addition, it was fortunate that I had documentation of who the past owner was. Good luck. I hope you can match razor with coffin. Robert