Thread: OK razor experts tell me what a fool I was

OK guys.Circa 1990 I bought new from a hardware store in Falkirk,Scotland a Gottah Silver Steel razor.On the shank was stamped "solingen silver steel".Now I know nothing about the history of the razors and what I purchased was probably (NOS).It had been in the window for years.It cost me £20 which I thought was cheap considering the craftsmanship in this blade.It did not come in a box but a polythene holder that was red on the back and clear on the front.The shop did not sell strops but I got an old strop from my uncle.He told me that in the UK well Scotland that the train windows used to be held open with leather straps.In the 1950's "Teddy Boys" would steal them as they made exceptional razor strops.So he gave me his.It did indeed make a fine strop but after 10 years of use the Gottah need "refreshed".I put it into a hardware store where I was promised by the owner that the Polish guy he used for sharpening things would sort it.When I got it back it was ruined.No edge.He had held it against some kinda grinder.It would not even cut string.I ended up giving it away to someone.Even years later I regret this.Was this a good razor?Considering it was brand new when I bought it and it shaved me well for many years until it went dull?I can't believe that all these years later that this is still bothering me.I still crave Gottah silver steel razors.If I find one who would you recommend to get it shave ready for me.UK would be better for me.Thanks in advance.I know I should just let it go and find something else,but this razor takes me back to my teens and I really would like to get one sorted and shave ready.Sorry if I sound lame with this post but it has bugged me for years just giving it away.

Probably a Gotta? Looked like this? :



Those are great shavers, and got some really nice Sheffield steel in them.
They pop up on eBay from time to time, I got a 6/8 for around $45, and I love it.

Looked the same but it had silver steel instead of hamburg ring on the blade.Was also stamped solingen silver steel on the shank.

Originally Posted by JohnnyHoodoo

Looked the same but it had silver steel instead of hamburg ring on the blade.Was also stamped solingen silver steel on the shank.

Ok, they had Sheffield and Silver steel versions then. I'm sure you could find one with some patience.

Check this thread: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ta-razors.html

That thread looks peachy buddy but my old Gottah didn,t say Sheffield on it ,it said solingen.Solingen silver steel to be precise .Was this a rarity?Also stamped Germany.Sorry to draw this out but it seems like a mystery to me.Also I want to tell me how stupid I was for giving it away.

Amazing how some things that we do when we're young are almost impossible to shake, even many years later. To be haunted by a razor that was abandoned is so typical. Good luck replacing that magical blade!

Originally Posted by JohnnyHoodoo

That thread looks peachy buddy but my old Gottah didn,t say Sheffield on it ,it said solingen.Solingen silver steel to be precise .Was this a rarity?Also stamped Germany.

Did you see the thread, there's a couple Solingen silvers steels in there, like this:


As I mentioned, they probably had two versions in the Gotta 120-series, one Sheffield and one Silver steel.

True.I got the hoodoo about this blade.

Hey Johnny,

Sorry to hear about your loss. I think that would eat at me too. Chances are, the guy who held your blade against a grinder ruined the temper of it, so even if you'd kept it you wouldn't have been able to get it to hold a shaving edge any more anyway.

I hope you can score another one some time.