Thread: Inherited Razor. Identification and history help.

This razor belonged to my great grandfather and was recently given to me by my father as I mentioned my interest in beginning to shave with a straight razor. I'm a complete newbie to this style of shaving so any help with the following questions would be greatly appreciated.

I'd just like to know what kind of razor it is, its history, and its potential value if any. I have no interest in selling it, I'm simply curious.

Lastly, would it be possible to make it usable again? And what would be the best way of going about doing that?

Thank you for your help and expertise.

It appears that it could be made useable with some work?
As to the value, we do not discuss the value in the open forms. It's the rules.

The box does not belong to the razor.

VOM CLEFF, R
Import agency at 105 Duane St., New York City
Used trademark "DIAMONDINE"
ca. 1885-1926

Eh, value was the least important of my questions. It means much more sentimentally.

And interesting that the box doesn't belong to it. Very cool to learn this razor is around 100 years old. Thanks for your help so far.

What kind of place could I take it or send it to to have it worked on?

Stig, I've only run across one, now in the TLC of the honorable roughkype. It had a thumbnotch, took a wonderful edge and gave a wonderful shave. With some loving, I don't see why that one couldn't do likewise.

The fact that its an ancestor's blade would justify some extra care. For my own blades, I generally do my own resto. For an ancestor's blade, I'd probably want professional care, depending on its needs. There are many Vom Cleffs, but only one that belonged to your great grandfather. 'Hope you get to enjoy it.

Originally Posted by Stig

Eh, value was the least important of my questions. It means much more sentimentally.

And interesting that the box doesn't belong to it. Very cool to learn this razor is around 100 years old. Thanks for your help so far.

What kind of place could I take it or send it to to have it worked on?

I used to have a Vom Cleff. Nice shaver.
A shame the edge is rusted like it is. It may need to lose some width to find good steel. Try here for restorers:
Member Services - Straight Razor Place Classifieds

pinklather- I hope i get to use it or at least restore its condition as well.

Onimaru - Thanks for the link. That may be exactly what im looking for.

Anyone have any info on the box other than it didnt belong to the razor?

Box belongs to the popular Wade & Butcher make. Can't tell you much more.

I've seen enough razors in 'wrong' boxes that have very apparently been with those boxes forever and a day, that I've started to suspect that it wasn't uncommon for people to buy razors -- perhaps second hand, or from a trader -- and get them packaged in whatever box was handy, kind of like buying liquor and bringing it home in whatever box the shop had near the register.

Being a recent graduate, your analogy could not make more sense to me.