Thread: My "new" little piece of history, Oxford Razor

Was able to pick this up for $16, was intrigued by the company history and have been trying to focus the RAD on "the classics".

Trademark "Oxford Razor" (1900-1938) was used by Germania Cutlery Works, 1896-1938.
This company was owned by the Kastor family. Nathan Kastor was in charge of the factory.
The factory was in Ohligs-Solingen. They made cutlery for export to the US.
In 1938, the Nazis seized the factory.

Source: STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Oxford Razor, Germania Cutlery Works, Germany.

I wonder what the Nazi's had the factory make as they siezed it? No telling!

I have one of these too. A great shaver. Good score.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

I wonder what the Nazi's had the factory make as they siezed it? No telling!

"Germania" became a school during WWII and then the largest umbrella frame factory in Germany.
The plant now manufactures computer parts.

Here is a little more history trivia for you - not directly related to the razor but about Oxford (UK) and Germany:
The old buildings in Oxford (UK) are original and intact not bombed to rubble like London because Hitler had decided when he conquered England, Oxford would be his headquarters so he ordered it spared from the bombings.

Now you know

I just honed one of these razors for a guy at work, great shaver congrats.

I've got two of theses. one has been honed to to about 4/8 and the edge is wavy, haven't had the time to get it where it needs to be, but i'll probably use it on my mustache area if i ever, gasp, shave it off. the other is lacking scales, but is at around 11/16 (or straddles 5/8 6/8), and is ready to go once i get to making those. It could use a buffing to get that mirror edge though.

edit, i figured out my scales switch. i had two broken pair but i liked the bakelite peacock that was on the oxford razor and threw it on the blade that was on a "Fermarud" branded scales, THAT razor says "GEBR. LANG GOLDENE MEDAILLEN SOLINGEN" with a 10 next to that and the obverse has a strange triangle and says Manganese Steel.

Both are great shavers, but i lent my hones, a couple razors, and a strop to a friend to learn on.