Thread: The American shaver

The idea of this thread is American alternatives to imported shaving equipment are often of superior quality and less expensive. With so much emphasis on solingen germany, many people seem to overlook some of the best razors ever made, our domestic 1920s Chicago blades. And we have many good American soaps and brushes.
Heres my everyday set up.
For a strop I use a Whipped Dog straights poor man strop, its english bridle leather
It costs less than $20
my blade is this http://straightrazorpalace.com/works...tz-clutto.html a custom Strutz and Clutto with American grown Cedar scales.
My soap is also domestic, Mama Bears shaving soap from Wisconsin.
My brush is my only imported item of my everyday shaving set up ( i have german razors as well that i use on occasion) it is a Vie Long white horse hair with the synthetic marble/red handle.

Most of us in the know are well aware of the quality of American made Razors. Most came from what was the cutlery center of the U.S in the Central area of New York State. There are still a few outfits left there.

U.S razors are very underrated and can still be had for a song.

Ingot the strutz for $5

Genco, Geneva Cutlery, J.R. Torrey, H.M. Christensen, J. Wiss & Sons, to name a few US made razors that I have and tried....all excellent shavers, all reasonably priced, except the Genco Easy Aces.

I have to agree with thebigspendur about US made razors being underrated. Most folks mainly go for the Solingen and Sheffiled razors and overlook the US made razors which are of equal or in some cases better quality.....Made in the USA means quality!

Have to say, The S&C razor was likely made in Germany! American steel is, in fact, great!

Well,,,, I never really thought of myself as a man of the World,,, but I guess I am,,,,,, I like equipment from all parts of the World,,,,,,, I find it a pleasure to have a piece of equipment from a place that I probably will never see. They are a link to the people of that country.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Have to say, The S&C razor was likely made in Germany! American steel is, in fact, great!

How come do you think my strutz and clutto was made in germany? My macon county shear company blade has the company name and location, but it says made in Germany. My strutz has Chicago stamped on the tang. The records show a company named strutz and clutto making barber supplies in 1921 in chicago. I wouldnt thinkany sane person would still be importing german blades after world war one

I will say, that s&c takes an edge like nothing ive ever saw. Its harder than my other two razors, but a few licks on my arkansas and it pops hairs just touchin em

My favorite razors are Genco's, especially the wedge. Although the square point on that sucker is blood thirsty sharp.

Thats how i like em. I do most work with the back 1/3 of the razor, edge with the heel, then trim with a sharp point, if that makes sense.