Thread: Could anyone give me info please???

Hello everyone!..I'm new to the forum and the world of straight razor shaving. I picked this razor up at an antique shop in Bellingham, WA, and I'm not sure what I have. It's a Challenge Razor Works, so from my understanding and basic research, would put it somewhere around 1891-99?? The Army/Navy etching on the blade is something I could not find any info on whatsoever for this particular manufacturer. Is this something rare, or perhaps something that was just etched on later?? Any information about what I may have found is greatly appreciated!!

CHALLENGE RAZOR WORKS
Challenge Cutlery Co.
Bridgeport, Connecticut
ca. 1891-1898
As far as the Army/Navy more then likely original to the razor.

Probably etched that way to capitalize on the rampant "jingoism" of the Spanish American war.

Nice old razor. I like Challenge stuff.

That's a nice old American. I wonder if there is terminology for the little gaps on either end of the thumb notch under the tang? Those are most attractive and tend to keep the thumb/finger in place!

I have several Challenge Razor Works, and a couple of Challenge Cutlery Co.'s which is what they transitioned to after 1898.

They are pretty easy shavers as well, I love all of my Challenges. First MOP covered tang I ever owned was a CRW razor.

Enjoy them, they are very good to keep, nice and easy to hone.

M

wow, that thing is really nice. I love that etching as well. Anything to do with the military, navy and war excites me for some reason lol

Originally Posted by sleekandsmooth

wow, that thing is really nice. I love that etching as well. Anything to do with the military, navy and war excites me for some reason lol

About that time in American history, most all of the old US named and several Sheffield cutlery houses were selling knives and razors with similar etchings. I'm still on the hunt for a "US NAVY" marked rope knife. Found several over the years but I can buy an ounce of gold cheaper than the ones that catch my fancy.

I own several Challenge Cutlery pocket knives. I carry an old ebony scaled Challenge Cutlery Corp "tear drop" jack knife every day. I also own one NOS CRW razor that will never get used as long as I own it, and a 5/8 square point CCC that I shave with every now and then.

Challenge Cutlery Company.

I really appreciate all the great info. that all of you have given! There were several razors available at that shop, but this one caught my eye. I think it's a great start to the collection!

I know restoration seems to be a big topic on the site. What would all of you recommend? I think it'd be nice to see the blade re-blued if the etching would survive. If not, I'd like to use it regardless. Any thoughts?