Thread: National MFG Co, Union City, GA ?

Dixie Manufacturing was not in existence during the Civil War. They didn't come into play until the mid late 1890s. I am trying to find out a little more about Union Razor Cutlery because I believe this company was after Dixie, when Dixie Manufacturing diverted more into producing other goods. I believe National Razor from all accounts came later on, after Dixie and Union Razor/Union Cutlery. It will be interesting to find out the relationship between all three companies. But with a little more time and research, I should be able to get a bit more information and try to put the pieces together.

Originally Posted by leveraction

But with a little more time and research, I should be able to get a bit more information and try to put the pieces together.

Until then , please enjoy this free razor porn . The fist 2 pics are of the razor I sold , Union Razor Cutlery Co. , Union City Ga. . The last 2 are of my Union Cutlery Co. , Olean N.Y. . It's a 9/16 near-wedge , and is one of my best shavers .

Ok, I got my steel on!!!! Beautimous razors. Wish I was around when you sold the Southern Queen. I have a few Soligen blades, but in all honesty, I like the shave quality of my Dixie/Union blades the best. The Union-Oleans is very nice. Wood complements the razor very well. I don't like razors below half-hollow. It just bends a wee too much on my face. But thanks for the picts. They are wonderful looking razors

The scales look like wood , but they're actually celluloid .

Funny thing. That Improved Southern Queen looks just like my J. Cumberbirch, Germany, Queen Razor 6/8.

I sure would like to know more about that wood box in the pics.

I am sure there was some reverse engineering to a degree. Back in the day, straight razors were pretty much the same. Perhaps tempering and grinds were different than American ones. To me many of the American made ones, particularly in the South, were utilitarian. Heck, the Dixie plan jane razors were selling for $1.95 back in 1898. Would be close to $70 in todays market.

Living in metro Atlanta, this is especially fascinating for me. I get down to Union City periodically and had no idea. I did know that there was iron mining and forging in the Cartersville area, but that was during the Civil War era.

Originally Posted by Jaymo

I sure would like to know more about that wood box in the pics.

No problem . It's a box strop I got from Tony Miller , whose strops are well renowned . It was one of the last box strops he sold before he discontinued them . It came as a kit , but all I needed to do was glue the pre-cut leather pieces to the box . The box came already assembled and finished . I've had it for about 2 years . The leather on the top is horse hide , and on the bottom is red latigo . I use the horse hide side as a finishing strop . After I use my regular strop I give the razor 20 strokes on the horse hide . Here are some quick pics .