I was thinking that, but that's 8 years in storage. I guess it's possible there was a stock left over when production ended, and the army bought that stock or part of it to issue to soldiers much later.
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I was incorrect with the dates. It was 1941 and 1942 the company produced. In that regard, perhaps Top Flight was founded to produce straight razors for the war effort? The ones surviving could all be government models! Here is a link to Burrells Grandson. Burrell Cutlery still exists,http://www.cattco.org/planning/award...5_burrell_john I have read more on the history, but cannot remember where?
Here are my 2 still unrestored Burrells. One very concave and one, a wedge!
There are many American Makers. We tend to dwell on Sheffield and Germany, but I have recently been concentrating on American stuff.
Pics as follows:
1- George Korn was a fine Maker from Case family in Little Valley
2-Not to forget Union Cutlery of Olean, New York. Great steel!
3-Give those Georgia Boys credit! Dixie Mfg in Cracked corn! Fine Blades!
4-Freemont, Ohio was home to fine makers, Clauss being one!
5- Little known Ariel Cutlery(ACM) of Marionette, Wisconsin. The owner was born in Duluth, Minn., hence the Duluth motor Bridge! Nice razors!
Some very old American makers from the old Countries:
6 American Knife Co, Plymouth Hollow, Conn
7 Maher and Grosh from Toledo, Ohio
8 George Rohr of Dayton, Ohio
sharptonn my lord you have some killer gear!!!
The oldies
Now I know this is a Solingen one, but I have to +1 for the Imps - here's my near mint 132! Excuse the pics iPad camera stinks...
I am partial to the hard steel from upper New York state
made at about the same time that the carborundum barber hones
were made... you cannot sharpen them well on old school Arkansas
hones (IMLE).
The brand is less important than the shape and condition
of the scales. I do like a longish bit for my thumb to sit on.
Most of the American looking razors were made in Germany
and England. Etching and finishing was done here in the
states. They seem to be uniform in quality so I look for condition
of the blade and scales.
Case is more collectible as a knife than razor. I thing highly of
case pocket knives. Perhaps this is why their razors fetch so much.
Sharptonn thanks that is quite a collection of American steel.
I have two Clauss 6/8s, one square, one round, and I wouldn't trade 'em for anything. Also have a handful of Shumates that are always a pleasure.
No one has mentioned Craftsman. I've been interested in finding one of these for my collection; however, I don't think they would all necessarily qualify as "American." Some of the blades were ground in Solingen, but I believe some were made by Korn and/or Cattaraugus.
I've also been coveting those Case Red Imp wedges! ;)
Sharptonn,
unless you know something I donīt Filarmonicas were made in Spain, and Cmon Filarmonicas were as well:-
Attachment 89857Attachment 89858
This one is on eBay right now!
I find it interesting that so many people like the Torreys. On ebay they are not very expensive. I bought one with the intent of practicing on it, but lucky for me I have yet to touch it.
The one you like the best?
these questions are always fun lol, I love reading all the replys!!
This is a great thread that I'd like to keep rolling. In my opinion King Razor Mfg makes some of the all time best American razors. Check em out!
Attachment 150924
I like my 7/8 Robeson, gives a very nice shave.
Got any sweet pics of that 7/8 Robeson Trimmy? What a great ol company out of NY.
Hope I did this right - I'm at work and I knew I had posted it before. Post #9
http://straightrazorpalace.com/gener...r-santa-2.html
That is a fine razor! Thanks for sharing the pic.
Torrey is great
I would put my Imp wedge (Morris) just ahead of my Robeson Bluebird. Both of them being about the best shavers I own. That Imp demands serious attention though. It is a blood thirsty little spike!
A recent acquisition via trade with a fellow member. This pic captured the American flag displayed in my shop. I found it appropriate for this thread.
Attachment 164499
I don't know what might be the BEST American made straight as a SHAVER, but I would have to think that a Michael Price San Francisco would be one of the most if not the most desired one in my book. I have come close to buying one twice but just couldn't pull the trigger on it.
I've read a little about Michael Price. Can you give any background on his work?
Here's a good thread about his work! http://straightrazorpalace.com/show-...francisco.html
Have an Adams that I just acquired. It's impressing me.
I've had and liked torreys, Clauss's, Worcesters, a couple of Gencos and Robesons. My favorite is one I posted recently...Swedish Razor Co, Worcester, Mass. Great razor and I live about 15 min from Worcester :)
Chris
I haven't waded through all the replies, and of course the answer is very subjective, but has anyone mentioned the Burrell Top Flight? Specifically the 5/5 full hollow? Very nice razors I think, with very fine, thin steel and excellent shavers. The scales may not be fancy at all but serviceable, and the wings logo on them is WAY cool...
I'm not sure if it was mentioned here but there is a thread that describes the Top Flight as a best shave contender. I honed and shaved with one in the past month and totally agree. Thumbs up!
I'm really into these US store Brands. Not sure where this one was originally made. Been using it in rotation for the past 2 days and it's reminded me how nice it is. Well balanced, nice shaver.Attachment 164754Attachment 164755
Above... It's marked Blue Steel.
I will vote for my Kinfolks blue steel little valley ny. Of all the razors I have no matter how much they cost it's the one that shaves me the best and it didn't cost more than a good honemiesters to get it scary sharp and very smooth, I love the US steel. Tc
Torrey, Genco, Geneva... the list is long! The little Bowdin's Wedge was made in St Paul MN/ MPLS, MN.
All of these have shaved me well!
~Richard
How embarrassing. Via wyobarbershop liking a post or two of mine I see I had posted on this thread a few pages back. Then, idiot me pops up and says "I'm not sure if it's been mentioned, but...". That's the problem with me, too lazy to look back through the thread to see if I already said that...So I just go ahead and say it again...