Thread: So, is this Swedish or American steel?

I got one of these not too long ago-

FS Joh Engstrom frameback Eskilstuna - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

Except mine says:

"JOH ENGSTROM
ESKILSTUNA
MEDAILLER 1876
PHILADELPHIA"

It also has some intials on the tail of the tang-"D.S. & K." or maybe "O.S. & K."

So I'm wondering if it was made in US with US steel, if they used imported steel, or if "Philadelphia" is on the tang for some other reason, like it was distributed out of there or something.

Its a damn fine shaver in any event. I'm just curious if its the much sought after swedish steel.

Engstrom moved from Sweden, where he used to make razors, to the US, where he continued to make razors. I don't know if he used Swedish steel once he got to the US, though.

I actually think Swedish steel is very similar to American. Both are typically harder than German, but can still be brought to very smooth edges.

1876 saw the Centennial Exposition of the founding of the United States of America, held in Philadelphia. To put it another way, it was a Worlds Fair Exhibition, in which different countries and trades were invited to send the best they could offer.

Engstrom sent razors, made in Sweden from Swedish ore, and won a medal. Such Expositions or Exhibitions were held regularly all around the world.

You often see razors with 'gold medal' 'medaille d'or' and so on imprinted on them, as well as packaging - the packaging often had prints of the actual medals and a list of all the years in which a a medal had been awarded and in what country.

Nothing to do with american steel, I'm afraid.

Regards,
Neil

Of course, Swedish steel. John Engstrom made razors only in Sweden.
The company of John Engstrom jr. was in Little Valley.
Neil is right. This stamp means, that he was a winner on The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia.

Ah, it seems I mixed up father and son. Thanks for setting the record straight, gents.

Thanks Gents. Even got a cool little history lesson thrown in for free.

Originally Posted by manah

Of course, Swedish steel. John Engstrom made razors only in Sweden.
The company of John Engstrom jr. was in Little Valley.
Neil is right. This stamp means, that he was a winner on The Centennial International Exhibition of 1876 in Philadelphia.

Do you know other winners of 1876 Exhibiton?

No. I think, it'll take much time to find.