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My Grandmother gave me a few razors that belonged to my Great Grandfather and I wanted to see if anyone could give me a little history lesson. One has Challenge Razor Work, Bridgeport on the blade and is in fairly good shape. The next one has Robeson SureEdge Rochester NY. I like this one because is has what looks to be a serial number on the tang as well. The last one has Genco on the tang. Any history would be great.
Post some pictures if you can. Much more info can be given with them. They seem American.
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/IMG_1428.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/IMG_1454.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/IMG_1444.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/IMG_1446.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/IMG_1435.jpg
http://i222.photobucket.com/albums/d...r/IMG_1448.jpg
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Nice razors you've got there. The Robeson, "razor that fits your face", was made in different models that were numbered according to beard characteristics. Some were for mild, others for tough beards. I don't remember the details but I saw the descriptions in a brochure that was posted online somewhere. Genco and Challenge are well respected and quality brands from back in the old days. All are worth honing up and will make fine shavers.
Thank you Jimmy, is there someone here that I can send them to to have refurbed and honed? These are very special as they have been in the family for many years. It would be great to actually use them:)
Also your right about the number. I found a sticker on the handle that says its for thick beards.
Got to the classifieds on this site and look under member services. There are plenty of members here that are more than qualified to bring those razors back to top notch condition.Quote:
Originally Posted by TK01
really like the scales on the challenger. looks like lollipop.
All three razors are nice, and were made by great companies.
The B.J.Eyre, Sheffield used Challenge trademark in 1867. In 1877, the Frederick Wiebush Company of New York City purchased the Eyre firm, and with it the Challenge trademark.
In 1889, Walter M.Taussing opened the Challenge Razor Works in Bridgeport Connecticut, as a subsidiary of F.Wiebush & Company. In 1899 the name became the Challenge Cutlery Company. In April, 1926 the company was put up for sale.
Robeson! Great company.
Here some history and Robeson razors.
And in this thread you can find some history about Genco.
Thanks for all the info. The Robeson is awesome! The hammer forge marks are on the tang just like mentioned in the artical. Also my Great Grandfather owned a farm so his number on the razor fit the tough beard and weathered skin. I still have the wool case that says the razor that fits your face as well. Thanks for all the history!Quote:
Originally Posted by manah
Hi!
I've had the good fortune to come across a real Challenge Razor Works razor as well. Mine is an original 'Challenge' acid etched with MOP monkey tail covers and bone scales.
Here is a link for all the info on manufacturers and brand names I could find. This is a good link for guys who want to know what years a brand was in manufacture and where. Mine is a Sheffield blade imported by Challenge. Yours probably is as well.
Straight Razor Manufacturers and Dates of Operation will help identify razor years by the manufacturer brand. Mine is 1891-1898. I cannot believe how nice your and my razors are for their age. Amazing.
Good luck on the restore.!!!
Great info Manah, thx for sharing the info!
It is always nice to have family razors! Yours are top quality razors. I shave with both Robeson and Genco blades. They are excellent blades and great shavers, and are difinitely worth bringing back to life! Good luck with them, and happy shaving, wildhog