WESTER BROTHERS ANCHOR BRAND MADE IN GERMANY MANGANESE STEEL

Okey-dokey - I got this rascal from my barber in a CARL MONKHOUSE 5/8 HOLLOW GROUND SOLIGEN GERMANY box. Now that I know a little bit' I'm leary of the Manganese Steel - I know it's a hardener, and wonder if my first attempt @ honing w/ the mighty Norton 4000/8000 might be more arduous that w/ a carbon blade. I'd be obliged if anyone can tell me anything about the Wester Bros. German Anchor Brand Manganese Steel razor; and anything about Carl Monkhouse 5/8" Hollow Ground Soligen Germany razor(s).

I've honed several of them and didn't consider them to be a particularly hard steel. They honed up just fine and are excellent shavers. You can set a bevel with the Norton 4k, it just takes more time.

Thank so much; now I can sleep the sleep of the just; and I have something to look forward to when the stone arrives!

Back in the day these manufacturers had to say something to make the consumer think the particular razor was better than others and there were no consumer protection laws then so often times they advertised outrageous things and often times they stated the obvious even though it meant nothing. In your case, every razor contains manganese. They are just saying it to make it seem like it's special when it's not.

Manganese steel... Like mountain grown coffee...

I had a Wester Bros that was an excellent shaver. Congrats!