Grandfather's Razor

I just received my Grandfather's Razor. He was a barber ("Charlie the Barber") for the first part of the last century and retired sometime in the 1950's I think.

It's a C-MON Blackie manufactured by Carl Monkhouse in Ellicottville, NY. I plan to have it restored, but in the meantime, here are some "before photos" (apologies for the less than stellar photo quality). I'll send "after" photos when I get it back from the restorer.

I would also appreciate hearing your thoughts on the following:

1. Any idea what vintage this is (year of manufacture)
2. How do C-MON Blackies compare to other vintage razors
3. Aything else I should know.

Thanks
Peter


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Carl Monkhouse started his business in Allegheny, NY in 1937. But originally Carl Monkhouse business in Solingen, Germany around 1912. They are fantastic razors!
Carl Monkhouse, ellicottville, n.y. 1950-1955
So your razor was made 1950-1955!

I don't know anything about the razor but I will say it's so cool to have that bit of family history to shave with. My maternal grandfather who has been deceased for more than 10 years used to shave with a straight and I really wish that I had one of his. Knowing him though (he was a bit of a tightwad) it was probably made out of baling wire he hammered flat out in the barn.

Enjoy your beautiful razor.

Very nice, & it doesn't seem to need much restoration.

Peter, Congrats and Bravo - in that order!

You have a precious bit of family history - that can still do great work and put smiles on your face & maybe your children's. That's the congrats.

The bravo is for having it cared for by a pro. I do resto for my own blades, but anything with that much importance, I'd likely have done professionally. I think you're smart for doing so and will thank yourself for some time to come. 'Hope you get to really enjoy yourself with it.

That is certainly a beautiful razor - congratulations.

As a matter of interest, CM was a buyer and reseller, not a razor maker. Below is a pic of a Filly that was made especially for his company by JMP:

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Regards,
Neil

thats a great shaver and does not look like it will need much to be back in a rotation...congrats!!!

Peter, congratulations! At least your grandfather used a straight. :-) Neither my dad, nor my grandfather did, so I never got that bit of history. Carl Monkhouse's C-MON Blackie razors allegedly are great shavers. I wouldn't know, because all the ones I've seen are below my preferred size, so I never had one. She doesn't seem to need a whole lot of restoration, so I'd say, get her cleaned up, honed by a pro and put her back in business!

Neil... Amazing blade. That's the first time I've seen a Filly rebranded...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by sashimi

Neil... Amazing blade. That's the first time I've seen a Filly rebranded...

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There are quite few rebranded filarmonicas, sashimi - perhaps one of the best known is the 1957 Premio de Honor, made for Castagnon hairdressers in Madrid to celebrate their 50th anniversary.

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Regards,
Neil

Thanks Neil. Yeah, I haven't been around the Filarmonica thread for ages. Just browsed it a bit and you're right. Man, that Jose really has the nice stuff. ;)
Regards,
Herman

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Neil Miller

That is certainly a beautiful razor - congratulations.

As a matter of interest, CM was a buyer and reseller, not a razor maker. Below is a pic of a Filly that was made especially for his company by JMP:

Attachment 117613

Attachment 117614

Attachment 117615

Regards,
Neil

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Great info Neil - Thanks

I am wondering then, if C-M was only a "middleman" is it possible to determine who the actual manufacturer is?

Best,

Peter

Wow looks great and looks to be in great condition. If it were me I wouldn't restore it. I would want to keep it as close to its original form as possible. Aside from having it honed I wouldn't do anything. I guess just because of the fact its grandpas and I would want to preserve it. Thats just me though

I just got my grandfather's razor back from the restorer and couldn't wait to share the "after" photos (as promised). Apologies for the poor photo quality...it looks much better in person!



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This razor was used by both my Grandfather ("Charlie the Barber") and my uncle/godfather before it came to me.

In the end we (that is, the restorer, Bob Keyes from the great state of Tennessee, and I) decided to keep it as original as possible, hence the small cracks at the pivot pin which were there originally. Instead of swapping out the old scales for new ones, Bob trued the original scales which had been warped, polished the blade, taking care to leave the "black" of the tail and the red diamond, both of which I think give it character, did a general cleaning, and then honed it to shave readiness. I'm sure you'll agree that Bob did a magnificent job with it. It shaves beautifully by the way. There may be other stuff out there that's fancier, but I bet none are more special to their owner.

Came out really nice, thanks for sharing, Enjoy!

She's a great razor. I love these stories of family heirlooms. Would you consider posting your story in this club thread? http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...-jewels-3.html

Peace,
Jim

Looks awsome!

I know the feeling. My Dad taught me to shave with his Grandfather's straight and then that razor was passed on to me. Some traditions are worth continuing.

Steve