Thread: Interesting Instructions From Torrey

With the amount of debate concerning ways to shave, I thought this was pretty interesting, as company policy regarding shaving instructions. These come from the box of a (as close to mint I've ever had without it being new) Torrey "Our Beauty" 5/8 beveled top frameback I recently won. These instructions were printed on card inside the razor case:

"THE TORREY RAZORS are the Best Cutters in the World
It sometimes happens that a razor is discarded as unsatisfactory, when all that is required to put it in perfect shaving order, is honing by an experienced workman. At any time this Razor does not shave perfectly, if you will mail it to us with twenty-five cents, in money, or stamps, we will put it in first-class condition and return it to you postage paid. Mark your address plainly on a slip inside the package and send it to us by mail.

OUR GUARANTEE.
We guarantee each razor to be free from Flaws or Defects, and to Shave well the Hardest Beard. If a Razor of our make does not give satisfaction, it is returnable in exchange for a new one. Always keep the Razor bright; there is really no excuse for a soiled or rusty razor.

THE J.R. TORREY RAZOR CO., Worcester, Mass., U.S.A."

On the reverse side of the card:

"HOW TO CHOOSE AND CARE FOR A RAZOR

In selecting a razor for use, adaptation to the beard is a very important consideration. For a heavy, coarse beard a too-thin ground blade should not be used unless one is somewhat of an expert in handling a razor; on the other hand, a light, wiry beard and tender skin require a thin-ground blade, which will lay flat on the face.
To use a razor, let it lie nearly flat on the face, and draw it with an easy diagonal motion against the beard from point to heel. Do not scrape with the razor or hold it almost at right angles to the face, as you will only spoil the edge, irritate the skin, and cause the best razor to fail. Persons who are not adepts in the handling of razors are apt to complain that their razors do not shave well, and are liable to condemn a good one, when the fault lies not in the razor, but in the unskillful use of it.
It is important that the beard be thoroughly softened with hot water and soap, and the razor dipped in hot water before using, as this will add much to the comfort of shaving.
After shaving carefully wipe the blade dry, and give it a few strokes on the strop to remove all moisture from the edge and prevent rust.

THE J.R. TORREY RAZOR CO., Worcester, Mass., U.S.A."

Cool Joe. Interesting to see a manufacturer has strop after shaving in their directions. Hmmm.

Originally Posted by Joe Chandler

...
"HOW TO CHOOSE AND CARE FOR A RAZOR

...To use a razor, let it lie nearly flat on the face, and draw it with an easy diagonal motion against the beard from point to heel.
...
"

If you didn't read that carefully, and take a moment to think about it, you might end up taking lateral swipes at you face! (Or is that just me...? )

James.

Well, pretty much that's what I do... Joe, thanx for taking the time to type this info. File saved.

cheers,
Nenad

Great to read that old wisdom. I think most of it is mopstly true, but I have to confess that I have a lighter beard and still get a great shave out of a well honed wedge.

X

Thanks for sharing that Joe!

I love the fact that they had a honing service.