Thread: Cattaraugus any good?

Hi All,

Im new to straight shaving, and have been wetshaving with a de for about 4 months now. I just ordered a 5/8 Cattaraugus from Larry at Whipped Dog, as he seems to get a lot of praise. He says the razor has never been honed before. Very reasonable price I think . $59 w/ strop kit. Super nice gentleman he is. My question, is this a decent razor? Or would I have been better off waiting to see what else he has down the line, or ordering something else altogether? He also had a Red Point in the same price range.. I assumed since the Cattaraugus has never been honed, that I was probably better off, as its probably as close to new as you can get, no?

Thank You for your advice
BP

If you're starting out, and larry sold it too you, it'll be all you need, larry has good rep. It's all much of a muchness tbh at your stage of the game, more expensive or, say, more prestigous doesn't equal better or easier to shave with. Razors are pretty much razors. Yes,the grinds, widths styles etc can all have different feels, but as long as the steel is good, you're off to a good start. I doubt he'll have sent you anything that requires to much experience to use

You're in fine hands. Old razors can be and often are just as good as new ones.

Larry sold you a good razor, made in the USA, and a fine shaver. Enjoy. Best, John

Originally Posted by wildhog

Larry sold you a good razor, made in the USA, and a fine shaver. Enjoy. Best, John

Thanks for the reply. I love the fact that its Made in The USA.....so for me its now: Baseball, Apple Pie, Chevrolet, and Cattaraugus!

That be the green lizard brand. You can't get no better than that. If it's in good shape you'll be shaving up a storm.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

That be the green lizard brand. You can't get no better than that. If it's in good shape you'll be shaving up a storm.

Well, Im pretty new to this, but he did tell me the razor has never been honed before. So I'm assuming that means its in pretty great shape. Its the only reason I bought it. And Larry seems to be a really stand up guy. I actually had called for another razor that he had (Red Point) and he ended up selling it in the 5 minutes that it took to get back to him, so he offered me this one for $5 cheaper than what he had it listed for.

Thanks,
I can't wait to get started..
BP

Larry is an exceptional guy and certainly won't steer you wrong. I have several Catteraugus' straights and I find them excellent razors. Nothing fancy but a great shave!

I was recently looking into purchasing a Catteraugus as well. Thanks for the info everyone.

Cattaraugus Cutlery had some of the finest US made knives and razors. They were on par with Case, Union Razor ( later to become known as Ka-Bar), Northfield, Wilbert, or any number of other US cutlery firms of that era.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cattar...utlery_Company

Pocket an fixed blade knives from that company usually command respectable prices compared to other brands. There are many avid collectors of "Catt" knives and memorabilia. Your razor is part of that.

You've got a great razor with a fine lineage that was made in the good old US of A.