Thread: Oldest razor yet...with a pretty cool story

So I was looking for a pretty nice old razor for cheap to practice honing on. I found a Wester Bros, and having read good things about them I put in a bid. It turned out that I was the only bidder (probably due to the bad pics in the ad), and got it for 16 bucks.

During my correspondence with the seller, I learned that the blade had been in her family for many years. She told me that it had belonged to her great-great uncle, who had used it as his main razor until he was deployed during WWII. It has been stored at her family's farm since then.

Here I was thinking that I was just dealing with a random antique dealer selling an unknown item, when actually I purchased it straight from a relative of the original owner (who happens to be a WWII hero). Every time I hold the blade I feel a connection with that man, and every shave I have with it will be a tribute to him. Working at the VA, I have met a few of the remaining WWII vets. They are definitely a different breed.

The reading that I did indicates that it was made in the 1920's-1930's. It is a De-Fi with a blade that measures at 5/8". It is small and light compared to my Ralf Aust, and probably half the weight of my Filarmonica Novodur 13. It had a couple of spots of light rust on the blade, but a deep patina throughout. I got rid of virtually all of the rust with steel wool, but am unsure if I want to remove the patina. At the present I kinda like it, and it seems befitting of a ~90 year old razor. It is still pretty sharp, and the edge is clean with the exception of a nick only seen with my 30x loupe.

I can't wait to hone her up and put her back to work. It seems so light and agile, I suspect it will be fun to use. If you guys have any other info regarding these De-Fi's, I would love to hear it.

At $16 you scored! Congrats on your find!

Oh boy those WESTER bros are some great razors and take and hold a wicked edge. Had a few pass through and they have all been good.