USMA/vintage Army straight razors

I just joined because you all seem like the kind of group that can answer my question:

My husband has been really interested in starting to use a straight razor so I'm putting together a really nice birthday present of shaving paraphernalia. He's a graduate of West Point so I thought it would be cool if I could find him a vintage razor either issued there or in the Army in general. So my question for you razor history buffs is this:
Did West Point ever issue straight razors back in the day? If so, does anyone have any info on them or pictures? Also, where in the world does a shaving novice find such a treasure?

If they didn't, where can I find a World War era razor, preferably with the case?

Thanks for all your help!

I think you'll eventually find something. I have a razor that, if I remember correctly, has 'Army Special' or something like that etched on the blade. I don't know if it was Army issue, and tend to doubt it, but I think you'll find something that will serve your purposes.

Only tangentially related to your question, but nevertheless a cool thing to know: a friend who was a reserve officer for the MP (Canadian Forces) told me that officers are still offered the possibility of using a straight razor as part of their standard issue kit.

Not sure how many took advantage of the the offer, but I'm sure there must be a few standard issue straight razor hither and thither.

Yes, anything that uses Marine Corps and WW II in the same sentence is pricey.

Were I you, I'd look for a nice, but plain razor (no blade etch, etc and black scales) from the 1930s to 1950s. First, anything military issue is usually plain and the price for a nice one shouldn't be over $50. And secondly, there will be a wide variety of makers to choose from.

As to whether or not the USMA issued straights, I can't say. But currently, new cadets must bring a 30 day supply of razors. I take it that's 30 razors, or one per day.

Gwen, how lucky can you get, I just happen to have the very razor Joed is talking about laying next to my laptop. Here's the deal, send me a PM with your address and I will put a kit together. The kit will include; the aforementioned razor, a strop, a brush, a decent soap as well as a gift box.

Here is one of the Torrey's on ebay, it would need cleaning and to be honed up before it would give a good shave.

J. R. Torrey & Co. US Army straight razor, celluloid - eBay (item 320656005592 end time Feb-18-11 16:00:42 PST)

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Gwen, how lucky can you get, I just happen to have the very razor Joed is talking about laying next to my laptop. Here's the deal, send me a PM with your address and I will put a kit together. The kit will include; the aforementioned razor, a strop, a brush, a decent soap as well as a gift box.

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Kudos to you, sir! :rock:

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Gwen, how lucky can you get, I just happen to have the very razor Joed is talking about laying next to my laptop. Here's the deal, send me a PM with your address and I will put a kit together. The kit will include; the aforementioned razor, a strop, a brush, a decent soap as well as a gift box.

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Very nice offer Kelly!. Gwen I encourage you to contact him and find out what he may have for you. I'm sure it will be wonderful! :)

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Gwen, how lucky can you get, I just happen to have the very razor Joed is talking about laying next to my laptop. Here's the deal, send me a PM with your address and I will put a kit together. The kit will include; the aforementioned razor, a strop, a brush, a decent soap as well as a gift box.

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The word Gentleman comes to mind here. It is what makes the SRP family great. (I used family instead of community on purpose)

If I can help, let me know.

Gwen, a few weeks ago i came across a link to gentlemensbest Laser Engraving they offer a laser engraving service. just in case your not able to find a military straight razor. you can always have his name or something else engraved on the spine

Everyone,
Thank you so much for your feedback!! I apologize for just now responding. I had set this up so it would notify me via email if anyone responded to my thread but I must have done it wrong...I thought no one had looked at it!

nun2sharp, thank you!! I PMd you

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Originally Posted by Joed

Your husband is a very lucky man! While there are vintage razors marked Army and possibly West Point but good luck finding them. They are not commonly found on a shelf and once sold is not easily restocked, they're vintage. I just asked CarrieM and she said that JR Torrey had the military contract to supply straight razors to the military for WWI and part of WWII, until Gillette came along. For a vintage razor, JR Torrey's are easier to find. Their military issued straight razors have a US with an arrow going through the US.

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Thanks for the information...I know this is an old thread, but I just decided to find an Army straight razor. What to do?
Check The Boards of course.
And the information to we Newbies just keeps rolling here.
Thanks for the information....if you care to hear about my search, I'll update the board.

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Originally Posted by ColonelG

Thanks for the information...I know this is an old thread, but I just decided to find an Army straight razor. What to do?
Check The Boards of course.
And the information to we Newbies just keeps rolling here.
Thanks for the information....if you care to hear about my search, I'll update the board.

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Hi ColonelG - I've seen a few times the Clauss USMC razor, they turn up occasionally. But I've also seen Clauss blades and other brands with, "Army Navy", etchings on the blade, they turn up a little more often,as well as military blades from different countries...seen a couple of old British Army blades as well.

Saw this one the other day, a Joseph Rogers and Son Army Navy Razor:

Antique Straight Edge Razor by Joseph Rogers Son Army Navy Razor w Box | eBay

And this is one of the more common United States of America Army Navy straight razors I've seen:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/LAKESIDE-CUT...item4aae383fab

Hope this helps....cheers!

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Hi ColonelG - I've seen a few times the Clauss USMC razor, they turn up occasionally. But I've also seen Clauss blades and other brands with, "Army Navy", etchings on the blade, they turn up a little more often,as well as military blades from different countries...seen a couple of old British Army blades as well.

Saw this one the other day, a Joseph Rogers and Son Army Navy Razor:

Antique Straight Edge Razor by Joseph Rogers Son Army Navy Razor w Box | eBay

And this is one of the more common United States of America Army Navy straight razors I've seen:

Lakeside Cutlery Chicago Army and Navy Straight Razor | eBay

Hope this helps....cheers!

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Thanks Phrank,
I'm actually looking at a JR Torrey on The Bay.
It's got a nice ding on the toe, but I think it will cut down nicely.
I've sent a PM to Glen, gssixgun, for his thoughts.
I'll also take a look at the ones you've ID'd.
Thanks buddy...much appreciated.
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That Lakeside Cutlery is a bit pricey....doesn't surprise me coming from you Phrank!! LOL
But that J Rodgers and Son looks pretty sweet. since it's a "buy now" deal, I'll keep an eye on it.
Again, thanks my friend. You've got an awesome eye!!

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Gwen, how lucky can you get, I just happen to have the very razor Joed is talking about laying next to my laptop. Here's the deal, send me a PM with your address and I will put a kit together. The kit will include; the aforementioned razor, a strop, a brush, a decent soap as well as a gift box.

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How very, very nice of you to do this for a member of our military. A truly gentlemanly act. Hats off to you.

Dave

Man, you really dug deep to find this one!