Thread: Anyone help me ID-date this razor?

I purchased this from an antique shop and had it honed. It shaves pretty well. I have found the "Galvanic" name associated with JBF Champlin and Cattaraugus. But I can't find out which manufacturing name would be associated with this razor. I understand the JBF Champlin name (and later adding "& sons") was changed to Cattaraugus in 1886. So any ideas as to the approximate date of my razor? Cattaraugus went out of business in 1963 so that narrows it down a bit. If I can get enough info I would like to add it to WIKI SR database.



Some of the unique characteristics I really like about this razor are the cut-outs on the scales and the coated spine. Someone epoxied the scales at one of the rivets but it seems to be holding well. I figure they will come apart during a shave sometime in the future but I hope not.

Just looking at that razor I would say 1920's or so. That's the best I can do

I thought it may be 1920s to 1940s because of "galvanic" being an electrical term. It's funny that when I do a search of this razor I only come up with old, ended ebay auctions. I can't find a pic or similar example of this razor anywhere. I have found several of the green lizard Cattaraugus. I understand that this was a popular cutlery company in its time and that one site stated Admiral Byrd selected this knife brand to take with him on his expedition to the South Pole. I am suprised that I can't find more Cattaraugus on the net!

I'd date that razor for sure. My gf would probably be unhappy, though, so I'd better not...

John Brown Frances Champlin(1841-1903) founded the Cattaraugus Cutlery Company in 1876. This was the first cutlery shop and the leading industry in little Valley for many years. Cattaraugus Cutlery Company was the mother of the cutlery industry of Western New York.
Trademark "Galvanic" was used by J.B.F.Champlin in 1882 - 1890 (at the end of 19th century, people knew about galvanic cell).
And plus such handle form you can often see in Cattaraugus catalog.
So, the razor was made 1882 - 1890, max. until 1903.
My congratulations, nice and old razor.

Wow! I wonder how many of those slide-on safety guards have survived to this date? Maybe I'll see one on eBay being sold as a "mustache/beard trimmer" or a "hair cutting attachment".

Regards - Walt

Thank you manah for the great information. That's amazing that it could be so old. The Celluloid scales didn't look that old to me, must have been kept very well by previous owner.

holli4pirating...is your GF often made to feel jealous of your razors? definite RAD warning sign!

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I'd date that razor for sure. My gf would probably be unhappy, though, so I'd better not...

Dylan............really. Have you been working on Magpie's mead lately?

George W. Korn Mfg. in Little Valley, NY made many razors for Cattaraugus. (As well as Case, Sears, etc.)

The 1923 Cattaraugus catalog shows a razor with the "Galvanic" logo on the blade, the word "Galvanic" being surrounded by marks that look like lightning bolts.

I believe George W. Korn patented the narrow finger grooves in the scales by the rivet that you like. If you could find the date of that patent, you would know the approximate earliest date that the razor could have been made. I'm guessing 1915 to 1925.

If you ever want to sell that razor, I'm your guy.

Check out the pics in my post showing a JBF Champlin razor. Might help you id this one.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-champlin.html