Thread: Cocharan Bros. Ottumwa, Iowa germany "OLD REX" straight razor

Hello all,

I just bought an old Cocharan Bros. Ottumwa, Iowa Germany "OLD REX" straight razor. From the point to the tang measures 5 1/2 inches, the width is 5/8 inches, the handle measures 5 1/2 inches. The scales are made of Bakelite or celluloid, and are black in color. It seems to be in great shape. Did I do well? Is this a good razor in your opinion? Be frank. Thank you all for any input. I also have a Dovo "Best Quality" 6/8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor coming. It is black also. So tell me what I did right, or wrong.

-Mark

You did right by describing some of the razor's qualities, but you missed it by not mentioning your expectations of this razor. If there is an expectation of shaving condition, then we are missing the information about the condition of the razor at and near the shaving edge - if it's a vintage razor in great condition then you probably did well

Has the razor met your expectations so far? Brand and size don't raise any red flags in my little noggin

You didn't really say anything about the Dovo except its size, color, and that it's coming so I am not sure what to comment on that one

I for at least the near future, still live in Iowa. My in-laws live in Ottumwa. I will gladly clean up and hone your razor for free for an opportunity to try out an Iowa razor.

I have no idea if it is a good razor or not, as I have never heard of it. If I find that it isn't, I will gladly trade it for a better razor just for a chance to have an Ottumwa razor. If I find that it is a good razor, well, it will just get lost in the mail.

Send me a PM if you'd like it honed for free.

Well, I want the "OLD REX" to give me a good shave, and hold it's edge well. It has no rust or pitting to mention. Maybe a very tiny speck size pit, but I would need a magnifying glass to see them. It is old, but in superb condition. I do not know exactly how old it is. I can not find any information about the company that created it. The shaving edge seems to be clean and honed well. And the blade over all is clean and shiny. Not mirror like, but clean and bright over all. It seems to open and close smoothly. It closes in the center of the handle. No chips or any damage at all. Any place. As for the DOVO, is it a good razor? I read up, and there seems to be many people that say the DOVO in any design is good. However, I would like to ask the people here what they think about the version I have coming.

apple2gs,

I have found the Dovo Best's to be very competent razors, and I am very fond of mine. They shave well and are very easy to maintain.

IMHO they make a great first razor.

I still use mine in my rotation

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

I also have a Cocharan Bros. Ottumwa, Iowa, Germany razor. Stamped "Pequot". Belonged to my Great Grandfather. I believe he purchased it from the Cocharan Bros. store in my hometown, Monroe, in the early 1900's.

Mark - Your razor was probably made by one of the many anonymous German manufacturers who made razors for companies like Cocharan Bros. to resell with their own name stamped on the razor. There is really no way of knowing who made your razor unless the original purchasing records from Cocharan Bros. could be found. So there is no benchmark for quality except for your own experience with this razor.

Regards - Walt