Thread: "The Lookout" Razor.

Hello. I just received a family heirloom from my uncle which is a straight razor with the name 'lookout' engraved on it. the box says the same name. I cant find anything on the box, as far as dates or company. The razor is actually very nice with solid aluminum scales. Can anyone out there help fill in the blanks? thank you for your time

It's certainly a puzzling one, and a razor with a legend on it that crops up here from time to time.

'LOOKOUT' is probably the Lookout Barber Supply Co of Chattanooga, razors made for them by Clauss, Fremont. However, that etching appears on other razors with different markings on the tang.

The etching looks like it is Hungarian, in which case the mystery deepens! 'Ajandek' means a 'present' or a 'gift' and 'dohanyhoz' is something related to tobacco. H. Rippen were manufacturers of snuff, tobacco, cigars, etc c1920s - 1930s - don't know if they are still going.


regards,
Neil

Welcome to SRP. I can't tell you anything about the origin of your razor but I can say that it looks to be in pretty nice condition. If you would like to put it back into service it may need to be professionally honed. You can find a number of members here who perform that service for a nominal fee in the SRP classifieds under 'member services.'

From there go to the SRP library beginner's guide for tips on getting started correctly. Both of these are found up page in the toolbar below the SRP logo.

VERY interesting as my uncle just dropped this off this morning. The razor belonged to my great grandfather from Hungary. This is really mysterious to me as I just finally made the switch to the blade coming over from the electric avenue, and finding myself very obsessive over straight razors. My favorite style right off the bat was stainless scales ....but it seems they are not so popular, but I love the look of steel. I have only been in the game for about three weeks, but have attained over 17 blades ranging from no name stainless(to practice honing) to an old Genco.
I really dive into things when they interest me, so that being said, I already had my sights on a certain style blade with certain style scales....I have looked tirelessly to no avail to satisfy my obsessive desire......and then a family member comes over out of the blue and hands me "MY" razor. I love it! As soon as I went to strop it, something weird came over me, and it felt like this razor has always been in my hand. It feels so balanced and super easy to strop.
....I also have quite the attraction to snuff exclusively.....
Thank you for your time and information!!!!

It IS Halloween, so be careful that that razor doesn't possess you.

Just a pinch between your cheek and gum and you can strop all day long.

Welcome to SRP.

Fascinating old razor. Family history makes it SO much better.

I think you'll find in your search for razors that the "traditional" razors will feel better in hand than the newly made razor shaped objects with metallic scales. Even though yours has aluminum scales, aluminum doesn't have the weight of steel and the razor will balance in hand better.

LOTS of good information to be had here. Read all you can, ask all the questions you want.

Above all, ENJOY!
Willie