Thread: Popular immigrant razors?

What a curious question. I'll be very interested in the answers. I'd guess Solingen blades of that date. Brought in with the boat or bought cheaper than the alternatives (certainly than Sheffields, can't be sure about homegrown US blades). Do you mind me asking why you're asking?

I reckon Solingen blades, German and possibly Swedish. I'm not sure what else would have been available and certainly popular within eastern Europe during that time

There were quite a few American razor mfgs back in those days and what with tariffs and such I wouldn't be surprised if the immigrants of the time bought those because they were the cheapest they could get. People valued a dollar more back in those days IMO.

Originally Posted by Scipio

I reckon Solingen blades, German and possibly Swedish. I'm not sure what else would have been available and certainly popular within eastern Europe during that time

Wpenica was made in Poland if I am not wrong. You can find Russian made razors on the eBay, I have seen 3 different kinds so far.

Originally Posted by mainaman

Wpenica was made in Poland if I am not wrong. You can find Russian made razors on the eBay, I have seen 3 different kinds so far.

Wapis are from the 70s I believe, according to the Invisible Edge.

I forgot about Russian razors though, Ive also seen a few.

Is the question by the OP asking what immigrants would have bought within the US, or what they brought with them from Europe?

I would think that, if they shaved, that what ever was used back in the old country would have made the trip.

Other than that, most every hardware store sold razors, so whatever the local store carried.

I did not consider the fact that immigration is a bit of a wide concept. Immigrants before the formation of the USSR and especially the so called Eastern block probably had Sheffield/ Solingen razors in their hands. Post WWII eastern European countries for sure would have a huge USSR influence when it comes to merchandise. The idea behind the creation of the eastern block was not only ideological but also economical. Trade was almost exclusively within the borders of the block, and goods coming from the so called Western countries could only be obtained from very few specialized stores against hard currency namely dollars.

Originally Posted by Scipio

Wapis are from the 70s I believe, according to the Invisible Edge.

I forgot about Russian razors though, Ive also seen a few.

Is the question by the OP asking what immigrants would have bought within the US, or what they brought with them from Europe?

I was originally asking about what they may have brought with them. But after thinking it through in my grandfather's case I suppose it might be what he may have purchased here in the US. Hell he was only 16 at the time so he may not have even been shaving yet.

Razors were common items and plentiful and cheap so wherever you might be when you needed one you bought one. They were availabe everywhere you went. Common razors with celluloid handles or maybe bone were the ticket for most. I don't think most cared the least about the brand especially immigrants. If the price was right they bought it.

If we speak about eastern european immigrants in 1910. First of all we must see the map of Europe at that time.
At that time all French goods were on the first place, second Germany and Russia.
About brands, hard to say, but I think in France - razors from Thier, in Germany - Solingen, in Russia ...unfortunately, I know only three manufacturers:
Trud, 1830 - 1952;

Nikolay Yarunin and Son, 1876 - 1950;



Trindin and Sons, 1809 - 1933.