Thread: Please Help in Identifying a Razor!

Hey Everyone!

I've been using DE razors for the past 2 years, but would like to transition to the world of straights. I picked up a straight razor this weekend at a city wide bazaar for only a euro. I was excited to get it for so cheap, but now I'm wondering if I should have waited for something better. I've been trying to figure out anything about it (manufacturer, etc.), but have been unsuccessful. I thought maybe it would just be easier to ask those who are more knowledgeable than me (that would be all of you). I've been trying to take some pictures, but couldn't take any worth posting, so I'll describe it to you and see what happens.

There are no identifying brands on the blade itself, only an elegantly engraved JR. That's it. So I guess it could be a no name brand that someone engraved initials on. The blade has some kind of pattern on the metal that isn't rust or corrosion of any kind. It looks to be part of the forging (not sure if this means it's Damascus or not). I was really excited when I first found it because it's in great shape (little to no rust, no pits, no chips in the blade, scales intact and looking good, etc.), but the lack of any clear manufacturer makes me wonder about its quality. Also, as I was inspecting it today, I noticed the blade almost looks like 2 pieces of metal; the spine and blade look like different pieces of metal that were put together. It isn't a shavette or something with disposable blades, but it doesn't look like a single piece of metal either.

I would really love some thoughts on this before I try to do any kind of restoration. I want to know if it's worth it.

Thanks a lot!

Sounds like a frameback! post some pics?

Just post what pics you can get. It will give us some idea to go from. In general the framebacks seemed to be great shavers.

Thanks for the quick replies.

Here are the only pics I could get that were decent. Hope it helps!

It looks french to me. Probably a great shaver. I would send it off to be honed up by one of out great honers. There is a section of the classifieds called member services. I would have it cleaned up a little as well.

I guess that makes sense. My wife and I are currently living in France, and that's where I bought it! Any guesses as to the brand? Is there any way to tell?

Reading the insignia it says J R to me... This could mean J.Richier of Lyon.



Greetings from Razortown
Rainer

Originally Posted by deighaingeal

It looks french to me. Probably a great shaver. I would send it off to be honed up by one of out great honers. There is a section of the classifieds called member services. I would have it cleaned up a little as well.

1 Euro? IMO, you got the deal of the day, my friend. I totally agree about getting it honed by a pro.
French framebacks can be great little shavers. Enjoy

It looks very similar to the J.R. Torrey logo found on some Torrey blades and tangs. I may have a picture but will have to hunt it down. Maybe others have pics also.

I'm not sure if TORREY ever made framebacks, I never saw one of them... this is more a specialty of french and swedish razor makers in competition to the hollow ground blades of english and german makers...

In my archive I only found one Faux-Frameback Wedge of TORREY:



The Logo of TORREY was an U S crossed by an arrow:



Greetings from Razortown
Rainer