Thread: Trying to identify?

Well. This razor was made by Henry Bessemer Co. for Theo A.Koch.
Theo A.Koch was in business 1913 - 1917 and located in Chicago.
H. Bessemer was the owner of a Bessemer process patent since 1855. In the U.S., commercial steel production using this method stopped in 1968.
Below, photo of Bessemer converter, Sheffield made by me.

That razor looks almost identical in style to my Damascene, it really is exceedingly close:

There's another example in the database:
Klauberg, C. & Bros. "Damascene" 5/8 - Straight Razor Place Wiki
which will suggest an approximate date.

For what it's worth, here's what I think you have: it's an elderly razor of good quality made in Germany for the American import trade from steel made in Sheffield by the Besssemer process:
Bessemer process - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Theo Kochs is a brand name, not the maker.

If it's anything like the Klauberg, it'll be an excellent shaver. Watch out for the point though, it could be vicious wee beastie if you don't keep your wits about you. I'm confident you didn't waste your money, far from it.

[edit] I've been pre-empted! I defer to the Antiquary, of course!

Sounds good. I am unsure of whether or not it needs to be honed. And for cleaning up the blade? What should I use some rubbing compound that I'd use on my car? Anything less gentle than that? Or some scrubbing bubbles and a magic eraser? I really just want it clean and sterile and "Good" looking. I'd really like to get that blade to shine.

Edit:Thats great information! Does anyone have any pictures of these razor restored? Are they good shavers?

Originally Posted by Cole19

Sounds good. I am unsure of whether or not it needs to be honed. And for cleaning up the blade? What should I use some rubbing compound that I'd use on my car? Anything less gentle than that? Or some scrubbing bubbles and a magic eraser? I really just want it clean and sterile and "Good" looking. I'd really like to get that blade to shine.

Well, if you REALLY want it to be amazing looking (which I thinnk it could be) don't do your first restore on this razor, send it to one of the experts from the classifieds. I could see Glen (gssixgun) or Max making this razor look lke new (or better).

Originally Posted by Cole19

Sounds good. I am unsure of whether or not it needs to be honed.

It most certainly does, the pictures show that. Only after you'll know if it's good or not and how good. That's part of taking the risk. If you want known quality you would get one that's already honed so that the seller can tell you how good it is.

I think I'm going to be worried about how sharp this things going to be after it gets honed. I sterilized it and took it to the inside of my arm and it smoothly took the hairs off.