Thread: Darwin Safety Razor ca. 1935

Originally Posted by benhunt

Do you have a Rolls Razor? I wonder how the two compare.

No, I don't have a Rolls...I am waiting to find one in near mint condition in original packaging. It seems every antique store I go to has at least one...but not always in the best condition.

Here are some pics of the Darwin razor I picked up. First pic shows the razor case in the original felt sheath and instruction booklet.


The remaining pics show the razor box opened and then the razor itself. The box comes with a small vial of strop paste...and two blades, both in very good condition. It is in very good condition.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

Here are some pics of the Darwin razor I picked up. First pic shows the razor case in the original felt sheath and instruction booklet.

The remaining pics show the razor box opened and then the razor itself. The box comes with a small vial of strop paste...and two blades, both in very good condition. It is in very good condition.

I would look at the parts diagram in your instructions booklet. I believe you are missing the guard bar that fits on the blade. If you are, I don't think it is a big deal as far as using it is concerned, though.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I would look at the parts diagram in your instructions booklet. I believe you are missing the guard bar that fits on the blade. If you are, I don't think it is a big deal as far as using it is concerned, though.

Bob

What part on the diagram were you referring to (letter/number)? I checked the Instruction booklet and looked at the diagram...no mention of a blade guard. (It could be I am missing something and just can't see it). All parts seem to be present and accounted for. I have read in other wiki type forums that this razor has been likened to "shaving with a straight razor on a stick"...that is, no guard.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

What part on the diagram were you referring to (letter/number)? I checked the Instruction booklet and looked at the diagram...no mention of a blade guard. (It could be I am missing something and just can't see it). All parts seem to be present and accounted for. I have read in other wiki type forums that this razor has been likened to "shaving with a straight razor on a stick"...that is, no guard.

Have to apologize, seems I was thinking of the Rolls Razor. Blame it on the old age. Yes, the Darwin, Rolls and Wilkinson SEs are like shaving with a straight razor on a stick. The blades are really literally just a short section of a straight razor blade.

Bob

No wonder this contraption never caught on. It's simpler just to use a straight!

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

No wonder this contraption never caught on. It's simpler just to use a straight!

Not if you were a representative of England in the far flung Empire. A few spare blades could make the difference between an emissary and a bum where the folks were expecting an emissary to be "properly attired."
~Richard