Thread: Kolibri & Kropp handed down from Grandfather

As the title suggests I have just acquired these two razors and some accessories form my French Grandfather, who lived a lot of his life in Yorkshire, any information or details would be most welcome.

I can't give you any information about the razors but I will say that if they were mine, with that provenance, I would restore and use them with pride.

Family heirlooms to enjoy and pass along down generations. Superb!

Would that be the right thing to do? Mechanically it would be no problem as I am an engineer but I see countless programmes about keeping antiques in their original condition. I may be looking to move them on as I am a sometime beard wearer. I have plenty to remember my Grandfather by as he has a rich history being one time maitre d' at the savoy and a jockey/saddle maker.

Wow those are super nice and very awesome heirlooms. I will say this, IMHO I would keep them and restore them and use them even though you may have other items of remembrance. I too wear a beard most all the time on occasion I go to a goat, but most the time its a beard and I use a straight to maintain the area of my neck and cheek bones. That sir is just my opinion they are yours after all to do as you like. In the mean time enjoy them and be proud of them.

Thank you for those kind words; as a total novice, at the age of 54, to a straight razor I am very reluctant to try it, my father says mistakes are easy and painful!

Any idea of the materials used, I'm pretty sure the Kolibri is horn with a bone inlay, but what is the black handle on the Kropp?

Originally Posted by stevescurr

I have plenty to remember my Grandfather by as he has a rich history being one time maitre d' at the savoy and a jockey/saddle maker.

What a gent he must have been, that is a colorful experience he involved himself in!

Originally Posted by stevescurr

Any idea of the materials used, I'm pretty sure the Kolibri is horn with a bone inlay, but what is the black handle on the Kropp?

I can't say as to handle material but you should give ot a shot. Take your time and try straight shaving it's not as bad as everyone thinks. I'm a novice and if it's sharp like it should be after a proper honing you really don't notice a cut/ nick. If you take your time and start out doing a bit at a time cuts should be few and far between. Each their own though sir : ) have a nice day

Originally Posted by stevescurr

Thank you for those kind words; as a total novice, at the age of 54, to a straight razor I am very reluctant to try it, my father says mistakes are easy and painful!

My Dad always told my Mother, "Sometime Ma, we're going to find him dead in a pool of blood." Never happened in 45 years of straight shaving. You will never know unless you try.