Thread: SWMBO consignment sale find - Franklin Toiletry Company

My bitter half actually fed my RAD tonight! She paid $10 for it and it's never been used. It smells like mothballs, but there is a thin coat of oil on the blade. I looked up what I could about the "Barbershop" brand and "Franklin Toiletry Company" - it seems that they showed up in the 70s with shaving supplies and went out of business in the late 80's or early 90s. The blade is stamped "MADE IN SPAIN" and has a nice eagle head gold wash with some stars. The blade popped hairs off of my arm right out of the box. Does anyone have experience with this company or blade? I'm curious what kind of steel it is and how hard it'll be to hone. If it's junk then I can use it for honing practice, if not I can get it into the rotation. It looks to be a full hollow grind and is very well balanced. The shoulders look to've been softened slightly. There's absolutely no rust or staining.

The whole kit


A view of the whole razor


Here's a closer view of the blade and etching

I have no idea about the razor (sorry) but the motto and the eagle are fromt the US Seal and the motto means "Out of Many, One". No help to you, I'm sure, but hey, just wanted to contribute something

SWMBO picked that up for you, then you my friend have a keeper of a razor and a bitter half (your words). Who cares if you can get a decent shave from it or not even once properly honed, just the fact alone that you BETTER half is willing to indulge and contribute in our little hobby of blissful shaving is worth the high price of ten dollars. That should be one of your favorite razors. I hope you return the favor.

I can't help you either however the "barbershop" brand has been used in the past to sell mostly bottom of the line gear like brushes and mugs too. I don't know if that is the same outfit you have there. Not too many razor makers in Spain. Maybe it's made by Filly.

I had sold one a few months back. I honed it up. Gave me a very good shave. I line with a fili 12 as i compaired it to. On the small side for me. Thats why i sold it along with the fact i have alot of razors. Great find for $10. You cant go wrong!

Originally Posted by nicknbleeding

I had sold one a few months back. I honed it up. Gave me a very good shave. I line with a fili 12 as i compaired it to. On the small side for me. Thats why i sold it along with the fact i have alot of razors. Great find for $10. You cant go wrong!

What were your thoughts on the metal quality? I'm VERY new to honing and I don't want to over do it. If it's never been used do you think I can get away with some laps on an 8k or will the bevel need to be fully set?

Originally Posted by geonjay

What were your thoughts on the metal quality? I'm VERY new to honing and I don't want to over do it. If it's never been used do you think I can get away with some laps on an 8k or will the bevel need to be fully set?

That would be tought to say witout seeing to razor. Test shave and see how she does. I had no issues with the metal. Seems to be good.