Thread: Know anything about Loeffler & Sykes Razors?

Stopped off at an Antiques Store the other day, (you know where this is leading) and spotted a Loeffler & Sykes straight that looked pretty nice under that lovely gray patina. It is pretty rare; there isn't a lot about the company on the internet but I discovered a thread in one of the shaving forums from about 2 years ago that noted a 5/8 Loeffler & Sykes with a man in an overcoat holding a briefcase and denoted "Our Drummer". It stated that this company was started by Loeffler in 1885 and took Sykes as a partner in 1889. The company folded in 1905. It was one of the largest cosmetic and barber supply houses in the Rochester, New York area at that time.
The razor I have is 11/16 full hollow with a spike point. On one side is a marking that appears to be a Spaniard or a man in the clothes of the 15th or 16th century holding a staff with the flag flying in the breeze and a sword at the order sword position. On the other side is the manuf. name and location with "made in Germany" stamped. This razor is an outstanding shaver and took a wickedly sharp edge when I honed it. I'm interested in knowing more about this blade and a little provenance on it so, if anyone has any info please let me know. Here are some shots of the tang info. At any rate not a bad razor for under $20.00 bucks!

Yes, the company was in business since 1887 as Loeffler Co. The owner was F.H.Loeffler. From 1897-1904, the firm was known as Loeffler & Sykes. After 1905, the name was F.H.Loeffler Co. again, till 1957. The company is still in business as Loeffler Beauty Supplies.
There were Loeffler & Sykes razors with stamp "Made in Germany".

Loeffler & Sykes were the sellers of this razor, but you will probably never know who the manufacturer was. Most barber supply companies, hardware firms, cutlery dealers, etc., used any of the many German razor makers to produce razors, knives, scissors, etc., with their company's name stamped on the blade. A company in business for a number of years could have used several different German firms to produce their wares. There is no guarantee of quality that comes from having a name brand such as Boker, Ern, etc. You just have to assess the razor's quality for yourself and hope that you come up with a good shaver.

Regards - Walt

Originally Posted by manah

Yes, the company was in business since 1887 as Loeffler Co. The owner was F.H.Loeffler. From 1897-1904, the firm was known as Loeffler & Sykes. After 1905, the name was F.H.Loeffler Co. again, till 1957. The company is still in business as Loeffler Beauty Supplies.
There were Loeffler & Sykes razors with stamp "Made in Germany".

Thanks Alex! I appreciate the additional info on this piece. I assume that Loeffler purchased razors from a manufacturer in Germany and had their name stamped into them. (They probably didn't have a works in this country, just sold them under their name; hence the "Our Drummer" sales promotion.) I am curious as to why they didn't call the razor with the man holding the flag and sword something?) Oh well, these are really great shavers and take an awesome edge!

Originally Posted by Walt

Loeffler & Sykes were the sellers of this razor, but you will probably never know who the manufacturer was. Most barber supply companies, hardware firms, cutlery dealers, etc., used any of the many German razor makers to produce razors, knives, scissors, etc., with their company's name stamped on the blade. A company in business for a number of years could have used several different German firms to produce their wares. There is no guarantee of quality that comes from having a name brand such as Boker, Ern, etc. You just have to assess the razor's quality for yourself and hope that you come up with a good shaver.

Regards - Walt

Thanks Walt, I should have read your comment before I answered Alex as you said the same thing I was thinking. Given the time period of this company and the major razor manufacturers in Germany at that time, it's quite possible it is an Boker or Ern or one of the major manufacturers. At any rate, this one you can tell by the feel of it and the honing characteristics that it is a quality piece.