Help Identifying: Red Devil by I.F. Giardina, Danbury Conn

Good morning! I've always wanted to get into straight razor shaving (both using and collecting) and now I've bought my first straight razor. Unfortunately I can't find a single link on the internet to identify the razor or its value. I'd like to know more about it and I'm hoping someone on the forums can help. The only thread I've found the somewhat relates is this one: http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-identify.html

The third razor listed in that link is by the same manufacturer, but is not the same model. Unfortunately no one seemed to know much about that razor.

The razor I have came in the box, which is beat-up but the writing is readable. It says "I.F. GIARDINA, DANBURY, CONN, MADE IN GERMANY" on the long side, and "RED DEVIL" on the short end.

The razor itself has the same inscription as the box on one side, with RED DEVIL on the other. There is a small drawing of a red devil on the handle as well; the handle feels like plain plastic.

I've attached pictures, hopefully someone out there has some info on this one.

Attachment 77024Attachment 77025Attachment 77026Attachment 77027Attachment 77028Attachment 77029Attachment 77030

I would imagine the name on the box and the razor is the retailer not the manufacturer. Red devil is a popular name for razors. It is most likely made as a generic razor by an outfit in Germany long defunct.

That's my guess anyway.

I'm sure one of our history buffs will come along soon enough with more factual info.

#1 on what thebigspendur said. Giardina ordered these razors from some unknown German manufacturer and had his company's name stamped on the blade just like the Sunbury Barber Supply Co. did in the photo below. There just isn't enough documentation around to ever give you the exact information you are looking for.

Regards - Walt

http://i464.photobucket.com/albums/r...ply-Presto.jpg

That's good to know though, at least I know a bit about it. Do you think it's worth fixing up to shave with? IE do you know much about the quality of the steel?

Hi Itig99,
Welcome to the fabulous world of straight shaving and SRP in particular.
You have entered the best source of info on the net.
Please study the WIKI and the beginners forums so that you get a good start.
I'd give it a hone if you are confident about doing so, or send it out to be honed professionally, and shave with it.
IME German blades are pretty good shavers.
The proof of the pudding and all that.
Hope it works well for you - and that is all that really matters.
Hang on and enjoy the ride.
Geoff

This is what I have in Goins
Red Devil S&H CO. N.Y. c1900-1956 a trademark used by Smith&Hemenway from 1900to1936, and by L.P Smith from 1936-1956
But I'm sure there are others that used that name.