Thread: Litt Cutlery Multi-Blade Straight Razor

I've recently been interested in shaving with a straight razor, have been practicing my prep and soap technique, my first razor (bought from an SRP member) is on the way, etc. Because of this, a relative is sending me a razor that belonged to my great-grandfather. From what I've been told it is almost identical to the one in this link and comes with a full set of replacement blades.

Litt's Multi-Blade Straight Razor Pat. 1912 - CR188

I'm not exactly sure what to think of this. I was expecting an old Wade&Butcher or similar that I would actually want to shave with. From what I've seen, Litt Cutlery Co. only made straight razors from 1912-1922 or so. What should I do with it when it arrives? Is it worth trying to shave with? I assume that I can't sharpen those blades. Is this just basically a really old Shavette? Your thoughts?

I'll post pictures when the razor actually arrives.

Oh! And this is my first post. Hi, everyone.

I think you should keep it.It looks like a shavette predecessor but very cool looking.You might want to use it now and then or keep it as a family heirloom.

It looks to me like a hair trimmer, like you still see sometimes with shavette style blades. And, judging form the age, I imagine you CAN sharpen those blades, it's just a little tricky. Like with a wedge or an old safety razor, it might take some special equipment like a blade handle or something.

George Litt started producing this razor in Madison, WI, about 1910 and was granted a patent in Nov. 1912. He moved his business to Spencer, IA in 1915 and stayed in business there until the early 1920s. Although the razor has changeable blades, the weren't meant to be disposables. These blades could be honed and stropped and used repeatedly. The razor came with a safety guard which could be slid over the spine to protect the shaver from nicks and cuts, or it could be used without the guard as a traditional straight razor. These razors will give you an acceptable shave, but they will never work their way into my rotation.

Regards - Walt

Thanks, everybody. I think I'll try it out once or twice and just keep it around for family's sake.

-Ryan