Thread: Tripoli Special- Great Razor- anyone know any history?

I recently bought a Tripoli special straight razor from ebay. I was a bit apprehensive to buying it due to the very little amount of information on it and also having made a beginner mistake and trying to start with a kriegar . Terrible razors those kreigars. The blade would stay sharp for about half of my face and then I would have to hone it to get it sharp again. This Tripoli Special made in Germany and distributed from Philadelphia PA was an intense improvement. The razor shaves incredibly well. My face is so smooth afterwards and it doesn't pull at all. Stropping alone for the past 5 shaves has kept it still shave ready although I think it could use a fresh honing soon despite still being incredibly sharp. Does anyone have any history with these razors? Or does anyone have experience (besides myself) in using them? It really is a wonderful razor and I'm a bit surprised that it doesn't have a large following. I have a Carl Schleiper on the way and I am very excited to use it too! Pics are included of the Tripoli Special.

Welcome to SRP. Old vintage straight razors are, nine times out of ten, made with the 'right stuff', whether they be Solingen, Sheffield or USA. You must have gotten lucky in that the razor was already shave ready ? Or perhaps you already hone your own ? Anyhow, I don't know the brand but there are a few members who may be along who are very knowledgeable on razor history.

I have one and love it. Great shaver.

Only thing i found is that its German made from swedish carbon steel, without a doubt a high quality razor, Enjoy!

Congrats on the acquisition and welcome to SRP! As stated above this razor seems to be a great find for you and likely opened your eyes to what shaving with a straight razor shave should be like over the letter opener you where using before. Glad you've come aboard and joined us! You razor appears to be approx 9/16 wide, full hollow grind with celluloid scales and bolsters. It appears you may have the beginning of a frown located close to the toe of the blade- keep your eye on that when your honing and maybe try to correct it if possible. What kind of rock are you using?

I bought a carborundum dry hone online. It seems to do a great job. It actually got the kreigar to shave for a little while. I haven't had to hone the Tripoli special yet, just stropping it keeps it very sharp. Im sure eventually I will have to hone it again but I am Asian and have very little facial hair as it is so even my disposable lasted a very very long time.