Just picked up a new razor! Looking for info/feedback? - Thanks Brett -

I just picked up this razor from a customer that collects and sells antiques. I am a Barber and he comes into the shop often, we got to talking and I asked him if he had any razors? A few weeks later he dropped by with this razor and an old strop! I picked up both for $20!!! I thought it was a steal, but I was hoping to get some information and feedback? the interesting thing about this razor is that someone had engraved into the blade "John T. Otto 16 28? Im guessing that was the owners name, Im sure this brings the value down but I plan to keep it anyhow. As far as the 16 28, Im guessing it has something to do with the year? Attachment 118990Attachment 118991Attachment 118992

Thats a nice looking razor. I really like the scales. The "John Otto 16 28" looks to have been engraved by hand probably by the owner of the razor. My grandpa actually used to engrave his name into all of his tools and that engraving looks like a very similar process. The "16 28" could have something to do with the year it was purchased and the year the owner came into possession of it, or the owners address. Being that they were engraved by the end-user, theres really no telling what they mean other then to go back in time and ask the fellow who did it. What is on the other side of the tang on the opposite side from the "Trade Mark" stamp? The chips out of it dont look to be too bad and it can probably be salvaged and rehoned to shave ready if you intend to use it. For $20 for that razor and the strop seems like a pretty nice deal.

Looks like an F.W. Engels, well, the scales are at least.

Is that a crack coming up from the chip?

I just finished polishing the razor and found that the chip does indeed lead to a crack up the razor :( But to be honest its not to bad and I think i should be able to salvage it?

The other side reads " F.W. Engels Sloingen, GR. Germany. The razor shined up pretty well, but the chip does have a crack and I dont know for sure if I can salvage it or not. Thanks for your help!

If there is a crack in the blade, especially since its in the middle of the blade, I dont think it can be salvaged. But if you're into the nostalgia of the older barbers, it would certainly make a beautiful display piece.

Cracks are no good for shaving. If the scales are both good, they are worth something to a guy looking for them (cough, cough)

In the Beginners Tips I do each month there are some pearls of wisdom now and then :)

Straight Razor Place - Beginners Tips: Feb 2011


Here is the link to the original thread even more info there :)

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...tml#post736914

Looks like the Engels "trade mark" with hansel and gretel on the scales, no? :) i've seen a few in minty condition and they're stunning.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by barberbrett

I just finished polishing the razor and found that the chip does indeed lead to a crack up the razor :( But to be honest its not to bad and I think i should be able to salvage it?

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that crack is very likely to cut you pretty deep.