Thread: What is the best American made straight ever made ?

Originally Posted by Wid

I've owned quite a few U.S razors and my favorite of all were Waterville Cutlery

You had to spill the beans!

I'm no vet here but I collect American straights. Got a bunch of Dixies, Torreys, Magnetos, etc. But for my money, it's the Case Imp 132 Wedge. I have an unrestored one that I absolute look forward to coming up in the rotation. Steel honed the devil (pardon the pun) out of it for me and it's the best. Just about turned Steel into a wedge convert! :-)

I've had a hart steel 6/8 spike point for two years, my only razor until recently. I was also interested in American made razors and after a couple of other purchases I stumbled upon genco in here. Just got my first genco razor in today. "Fluid steel" it came HORRENDOUSLY sharpened, and it STILL gave a halfway decent shave. Once I put a nice edge on this thing it's going to be one hell of a shaver. Good thing I have two more in the mail

I have a 11/16 Torrey with aluminum scales that I love. The last 2 Wester Bros "manganese steel" 5/8 that I've cleaned up and honed have taken incredible edges. Now I have a Shumate round tip on the way as well as an old Geneva cutlery no. 7.

American vintage steel ftw!!

I have Torreys from 5/8 to 7/8 that all shave well. I also like Worcester Razor Co. And Cattaraugus from Little Valley NY. Many American steel razors are priced low so I go for those in good shape. Patience is rewarded.

Not a mention of Northfield UN-X-LD, Northfield, CN . Great company, great steel.

How about Schatt & Morgan, Gowanda, NY?

Early S&M stamp.


Can't believe no one mentioned, Holley Lake Cutlery, Holly Lake, CN

Or CHALLENGE RAZOR WORKS, Bridgeport, CN which changed the name to CHALLENGE CUTLERY in 1898.

I'm a big fan of Challenge Razor Works and Cutlery. They used some great steel in their knives and razors.
And thanks for posting a picture of the box - the one challenge box I have has a worn top and I've wondered what was on it. Now I know it is a star.

Hart Steel...made well enough to already take aim as being a fine, vintage razor in future years.

My Clauss razor gives me consistently great shaves every single time. No matter what soap or what pre shave ritual I do. Love it.

Could it have been for medical purposes, like surgical prep?

Originally Posted by sharptonn

That is interesting! As I understood, the company was 1946-47. Obviously they did military contract, possibly after? What purpose for a straight in 1955? Seems all would be DE's in that era.