Thread: Inherited Razor

Hello. Nice forum.

Im trying to find out the history about my first razor. Ive inherited it from my dad, who got it from his dad. Both, worked in a area of manchester, UK, called "Trafford Park" which was a major industrial area up untill the 80's.

The razor I have, has the following marks :

Neck 1 : Real German Made and Ground.

Neck 2 : 48 Trafford Brand"

Blade : Barber's King

Simple plastic handle.

Im trying to figure out if this was made in germany, or Trafford.


Either way, took off bits of rust, polished it up, honed it, stropped it and had my very first straight razor shave today,following your guide lines and suggestions on brushes etc.. Best shave ever! cant wait for next one already.

Any information on this blade? It's close to my heart and would like to know more about it.

I forgot to mention, the Box, says "Barbers King" on it, and "Solingen, germany"

Do you have pictures?

I am guessing it was made in germany based on the marking you listed though....

No pictures, no comments!

In all seriousness, razors from the same manufacturer vary quite a bit and without pics it will be very hard for anyone to give you a valid lead. That, of course, won't be me since I know next to nothing.

Best,


Marcos

Hello,

Thanks for your reply's. Ive managed to take a picture of said razor. ANY information on it is very welcome. The hard to read writing on the box reads : "Solingen Germany"

Well it appears to me it was certainly made in Solingen. That is a good thing. It looks to be in good shape and glad to hear it is shaving well for you. If manah or Neil Miller see this thread they may be able to shed some light on the maker/distributor. The name is not familiar to me but it is probably a good razor.

A guy the did his own restoration and honing on his first edge for a str8?!!! I'm not worthy!!!
MSkiba - that's amazing. 'just astounding. Bravo!!

Thank you I will try to poke manahand Neil for their opinion. The thing for me is that its stamped "Trafford Brand" and I know my grandad did steelwork in the "trafford" area which was huge back in its day, like a second sheffield.

Many thanks pinklather, This sure is my first straight razor, but not the fitst time Ive ground, polished, honned, stropped etc.. a blade, so I had a advantage there I guess.

She's a beauty.

Can't really help with the Trafford Brand question, I'm afraid! I have had a good look at the industries in Trafford Park since its creation (1896), but have not come across an appropriate one yet - they all seem to have been quite large companies, like Ford Motors, Vickers, British Westinghouse (Metro-Vickers), General Electric Company, ICI, Co-op, Jacobs Biscuits, Trafford Brick Co., Southern Timber, etc, etc.

I have had three Trafford Brand razors (still have one) and can confirm that they had several makes:

Black Knight
Diamond Edge
and a Hamburg Ring model.

There may have been more.

All were quality, well-made and expensive looking razors, mostly with a third (plug) pinning.

There is a possibility that the Trafford Brand was not english, but american - there are plenty of Trafford's in the US!

Regards,
Neil