Thread: Info on manufacturer, age & restoration on an inherited razor

I have a straight razor from my great grandfather. It has a bone or antler handle. Size is 3" cutting blade and handle is 5.75" long when folded. Marking on blade says "Rancoon Razor" and hilt is stamped W R Hudgins & Company, Norfolk, Va.

Anyone know anything about this company or this razor? Thanks....I am a new member and just getting started here. I eventually want to refurbish this razor and keep it in the family.

Jim

Welcome to SRP. I can't speak for the razor, as I know nothing on that. Some pics may help. We ALWAYS love pics here! ;-)

+1 with Cove

Pics !!!! Pics!!!! we want Pics!!!

BTW Welcome to SRP and a little birdie told me there is an upcoming Denver Meet up probably in Sept..

Give a picture, Jim! Are you sure it does not read "Racoon Razor"? If so, it may have been made in Germany by Solingen-Wald back in the 30's or thereabouts.
W.R. Hudgens could be a retailer who sold it.

I took some shots with my phone; hope they come across. It's definitely marked on the steel beside the hinge with "W R Hudgens" and "Norfolk, Va" (which can be seen in person, but the Norfolk marking doesn't come across too well in the photo. Hope someone has clues or suggestions on where I look. Thanks for the responses and welcome to the forum.

Looks like it says Rangoon" as in Burma. Names of exotic locales were often emblazened on old razors. I don't think the scales are original, but probably fashioned long ago from deer antlers. As to Hudgens, perhaps someone else would know? It surely looks to resemble English razors in style!

They were a hardware and cutlery company. This comes from an 1872 directory:



'Rancoon' is a bit of an odd name - sure it isn't 'Rangoon'?

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Looks like it says Rangoon" as in Burma. Names of exotic locales were often emblazened on old razors. I don't think the scales are original, but probably fashioned long ago from deer antlers. As to Hudgens, perhaps someone else would know? It surely looks to resemble English razors in style!

Canadian (?) company Tom, but could have imported from Sheffield. Joseph Elliot made a Rangoon razor - stamped Rangoon on the tang though I suppose it would have to be elsewhere if the agents name was on the tang!

Regards,
Neil

Ah, so it could well be a Joseph Elliot made for the hardware concern of W.R. Hudgens! Starting to make sense. Thanks, Neil! Tom

Very helpful information, everyone; thanks! In the interim, I've been reading up on methods and precautions regarding refinishing.....that's my next project. The requested photos will provide a terrific "before" for the "before & after". Perhaps after cleaning and rust removal, it will more readily answer the questions of Rancoon versus Rangoon./Jim