Thread: Help with identifying a razor?

Hi folks,

Pardon the noob interruption, but I recently acquired a straight razor, and to be honest, I know nothing about them. I'm including a photo of the razor itself in hopes someone can identify it and give me a little insight as to its history. I haven't found anything specific about it, although I have seen pictures of similarly-shaped razors. I am curious about how old it might be, what it might possibly be worth, and any other info you could provide.

The handle has the words "Vitesse Hand Forged" on it. One side of the blade is etched with "Für Extrostarken Bart" and is stamped with "Kiebitz Garantie" and a drawing of a kiwi bird. The other side is stamped with "Emde" and "(a letter that's hidden by the handle)EYER.SOLINGEN". It came in a box, but the label is missing.

Any info that you might be able to provide would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,
Ed

Welcome to SRP. We have a policy of no appraising of razors. I haven't heard of the maker of that particular razor myself though someone else may chime in with some info. If you are of a mind to begin shaving with it you can send it out for pro honing. Check out the member services section of the classifieds here.

You can find tutorials on all things related to straight razor shaving and maintenance here in the SRP Wiki. Check out the beginner's guide here.

I cant say with 100% accuracy, but your razor most likely made by Gebrüder Emde, at Weyerstrasse, sometime around the late 1920's. The bird on it is a (Kiebitz) or Northern Lapwing.

Yours was obviously made for the German market, but they exported quite vigorously, and produced many razors with English script on them for the US market.
They are very fine shavers if they have been treated well