Thread: Thistle Brand?

I recently went into an antique store in my hometown and found a couple razors that I've never heard of before. They aren't on the good or bad list in the database, so I ask the pros. This razor was only $10 so if its not good ... I'm still gonna be able to sleep at night. The box and razor say Thistle Brand, made in Ohio, USA. the scales and blade look good, no pitting and from what I can tell no warping ... that will probably change when I try and hone it this weekend.

However, there was a couple that I left for now, one was a Pony, made in Germany and No. 31? I think, I'll have to double check on the second razor. Anyway, is anyone familiar with these three brands? Is $10 a decent price or are they probably junk. I'll post pics of the Thistle Brand tomorrow.

Thanks for reading.

They're probably all good but the Thistle is a known good 'un.

Well, I got a little ahead of myself and unpinned the scales before I took any photos. Here is a couple after I cleaned the scales and polished the blade only a little.





I'm not sure if I will use the same scales or try a new plastic that my employer uses to make a new set. I say plastic as generic only because I cannot remember what the name of it is at this moment. The only reason I think I might is because the current scales smell a little. From what I have been reading on SRP is that it might be rot in the scales. However, I have also read that black plastic scales usually do not get cell rot. Someone said that cell rot smells like vinegar and the blade will have a lot of pitting where it was sitting in the scales. Well, the plastic does not smell like vinegar and there is very, very little pitting. I did use MAAS to polish, but even before the blade looked really good. To me, it just smells old. Kind of like an old book that has been in the attic. The smell is going away after I used MAAS, probably about 3-4 hours after using it.

Is there a definitive test for cell rot? Other than symptoms?

Its not celluloid. Its possibly bakelite, or Vulcanite (which does have a special "scent"

I love my Thistle, but they can be a bear to hone!

Looks like this is another on my 'must have' list - I like a challenge......

I love my Thistle, but they can be a bear to hone!

Why is it a bear to hone?

At least on the one I had, the steel was a bit harder than I was used to. setting the bevel was a PITA

I have honed a number of Thistles, great blades, wonderful shave!

Well, It's all put back together, clean, polished and honed. Now to shave ... sucks that I have to wait on my order from T&H.



This pic was taken before honing ... that small chip near the toe has vanished.

Just bought a Thistle Cutlery New York. Does anyone know if the "Thistle Cutlery New York" came before or after the "Fremont Ohio" etc. I couldn't find it on google search.