Thread: Who's in business?

Most of the really legendary makers especially the German ones are still in existence making cutlery but not razors. Actually you might find many of the knives with these names are imported out of the orient and they just put their names on it. I don't know what the laws in these countries dictate about how you can claim say made in Germany on a product. Many have cheaper lines and high end lines and higher end ones might be made still in the home countries.

I doubt you will find anyone beginning to make razors from scratch. remember also that most of the old companies didn't make complete razors. They bought ready made blanks and did a variety of operations on the razor and bought scales from scale suppliers. Very few did it all from scratch. To start now means probably have to do it all. very expensive to start up and get experienced people.

Just out of curiosity I asked Henckels if they had new straight razors for sale since I saw a straight razor in their catalog at zwilling.com.
I received an email from Consumer Relations thanking me for my inquiry and saying that their grooming line has moved to Tweezerman and that I'd be contacted through them.
Later that day I received another email from Tweezerman saying how I can buy the new Henckels straight razor:

Regarding your recent enquiry about the straight razor. This line is manufactured by Zwilling J.A. Henckels and now sold by Tweezerman International.
You can purchase them online and view the Zwilling Pour Homme line at www.amazon.com or www.nashvilleknifeshop.com – the retail price is $149
If we can assist you any further, please let us know.
Regards
The Tweezerman Team

So, Henckels is back?

It sure looks like a Henckels

Zwilling J.A. Henckels Straight Razor - Zwilling J.A. Henckels

I have one of these. I couldn't tell you who actually makes it. But it is a decent shaver.

If there is enough demand, someone will try to meet it but I think its more likely to come from Asia than Europe.

I think that the problem is that making open razor blades is not the type of work that young people want to undertake anymore. Working in a foundry does not attract young men as it did in the 1900's. I believe that both Dovo and Thiers Issard find it difficult to get men to undertake their work and have concerns about going forward and finding new staff. I would speculate that that is the route cause of the quality control issues we have been seeing.

I'd be delighted to see any of the old Sheffield factories start up again, but I fear it is a pipe dream.

Where are Wapis and Double arrows made? Are these entry level Dovos's and TI's or Asian?

Wapis are Polish, NOS from the soviet era made of swedish steel. Double Arrows are chinese, but seem to be good shavers and made of good steel. The entry level Dovos and TI are german and french made of german steel and sheffield steel. Right?... There are many junky razors that come from Pakistan and other places.