Thread: Requesting information on a straight "SHELL Silver Steel" - my grandfather's razor.

Hello everyone, this is my first post on SRP! I am new to straight razors - just bought a carbon-steel Dovo last week - but I have been able to gather a lot of information online and, already, I am doing a good job at it :-)

Discussing my new hobby with my father, he was reminded of my grandfather's razor which he had kept all these years. Since yesterday, it is in my care and, for sentimental reasons, I would like to learn as much as I can about its origins. Eventually, I would also like to carefuly go about cleaning the rust but without removing the shell "decoration" on the blade.

Searching the net, I can find nothing on a "SHELL" razor maker. I wonder if this may have been a razor made for Royal Dutch Shell? Although, my grandfather never worked for them.

The scales, I presume, are bakelite and I understand an organic wax (such as carnauba) is the the best treatment for them?

I am grateful for any suggestions you may have regarding restoration or for information on the razor's make.

Thanks,
Costas

That is a beautiful blade. I don't know anything about it, but I know a lot of us would love to have a family heirloom blade and would want to know all about it. That is great that it is in such nice condition. I know that there are a few books, although out of production I believe, that just list the razors and tell you a little about them that might help. Or just keep cruising the site, someone will eventually know something. This place is full of brilliant minds. After all, we all choose to shave with a straight.

I could find NO INFO in GOINS ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CUTLERY MARKINGS using "SHELL, SILVER STEEL or "PERFECT WORKS"

Good hunting.
Please let us know as you find stuff out
Tom

Thanks guys. In case I find information elsewhere, I will post it here!

Welcome to SRP and don't forget to take a look at the SRP Wiki here. If you take some dental floss you may be able to get rid of some of that rust. A good metal polish such as Maas or Wenol would brighten it up some. Nice to have your grandfather's razor.

A very nice razor, and looks useable with just a little cleaning. Congratulations! I could not find anything about the manufacturer in my references either, but it is obviously a quality razor. Could you figure out what the blade etching says?

Jimmy, the wiki looks very interesting, thanks. Using dental floss hadn't crossed my mind, it's a great tip! :-)

Croaker, I think the etching consists of just the "shell" logo and some decoration. I cannot make out any letters. This processed image shows it better:

I find it intriguing that this seems a good blade, yet no one has heard of a "Shell" make...

Thanks again everyone.

A light rubbing with wet 4-0 steel wool and mild dishwashing detergent on the tang and scales will go far to clean it up, along with the floss under the tang. Not the etching, though, or it might disappear. There were lots of little known razor makers back "in the day". You may never find out who made yours, but it will shave just as well!