Thread: (a few of) My Favorite Things..

These are some of the more interesting items in my trove. First is a Suntorbuch (or -bach) Non-Compare Russian Back strop I received from a (once) dear friend. It was her Father's, who was a fine man I knew well for many years.
I have used it primarily for many also but have put it away for posterity and in favor of my new SRD strop.

Next are items from my Father, circa WW2, a Hardright Sterillo brush and a Staley Live Blade with wood box. I broke the box when I was about 5 trying to get it open. He is always with me.

Finally is the dearest item I ever acquired, in an ebay auction from a man in the Black Forest region of Germany. He had two of them, but competition was stiff and beyond my means for both, so I bid the nicer of the two. The other had similar but different scales. It's a C.W. Engels Soligen-Foche blade, but the scales are like none I've ever seen. I'm not sure of the material but note there is only one pin. I would be interested for anyone to embellish its history or provenance.

Pics that didnt upload from last post.

That Straight has about the most beautiful scales I have ever seen. You, sir, are a lucky man to own that.

Please tell me that they are carved wood rather than molded bakelite?

Your are so lucky to have heirloom shaving gear. Treasure them!

p.s. I really did the Stahly.

Those are great scales. You done well.
Find yourself a regular razor handle for the Stahly. They are among the best DE shavers for my face that I have ever found.
~Richard

Engelswerk C.W. Engels, 1892 - 1943, Solingen-Foche. The factory was engaged in manufacture of straight razors, pocket knives, scissors and other types of cutlery.
The owner was Emil Engels. Later (1939), the owners were Emil, Villi and widow Matilda Engels.

Source : STRAZORS.com - all about classic razors - Engelswerk, Solingen-Foche.

Engels or Engelwerks razor often have outrageously beautiful scales.

(this model is the most common I've seen so far)

Their emblem is a cherub, as Engel is the german word for Angel

I don't own one, but because of my nickname, I was offered one of their boxes in good condition, and I absolutely love them also


The instructions on the back explain how to correctly strop your razor (upper schema labelled as "correct", lower labelled as "incorrect")

Very nice indeed !

I viewed a thread here in Staleys, but dont recall exactly. You say there's a regular handle meaning no spring wind live action for the head? I shaved it today 1st time since I was 5 !! What's not to love??

Merci, Monsieur. C'est vrai! The tang logo is a Cupid Angel with bow & arrow. My notes are the seller said this one was around 1909 from his GrosPater. I have no doubt that this is all original, and have seen other fancy Engels scales. I really dont know the composition. Probably molded celluloid or bakelite. For an artisan to create the detail for just one is doubtful, although I was hoping it was very special and in stag-horn. I am reluctant to do anything at all until my restoration skills are much better, and likely will have a real pro take care of it. Thank to all for your interest.