Thread: How can I figure out my razor's age

I am trying to figure out when this razor was made. It is a J. A. Henckels razor in a red leather container with a pinstriped liner. It has a black handle and on the tang it says North and has a star. On the other side it says "MADE IN GERMANY FOR ALFRED J. KRANK ST. PAUL MINN." and came with this weird little thing that slides over the blade as some kind of guard. I'll try to get some pictures up of it if that will help.

Well, Google got me THIS far.

This product was manaufactured by Alfred J. Krank of St. Paul, MN. Alfred Krank was born around 1866. Starting in 1880, he was listed in the census under various occupations including: Scissors Grinder (1880), Cutlers and Grinder (1890), Mfr of Cutlery (1900), Barber Supply (1910), Mfr / Merchant of Cutlery (1920). It would appear that his attempt at selling barber supplies was relatively short-lived. He died in 1928.

This would suggest that your razor was made some time between 1900 and 1928. I have a couple of the Northstar razors, but neither have the safety guide. I believe both of mine are 4/8.

Goins' says Alfred J. Krank was in business circa 1919, located at 142 6th st. St. Paul, Minnesota

Cool, that is really old. All it has is some really minor staining from the blueing left over from rust. The safety guide thingy is not in the best of shape though its got some rust on it but I keep it oiled so it is in decent shape. I was figuring that because of the pinstripes in the case that it was made before the 40s because pinstripes were really popular in the 20s for suits.