Thread: New (to me) razor with questions

Hello,
I'm new to this forum and introduced myself in the beginners forum earlier today.

I recently bought a straight razor at an antique mall locally. What I purchased is not an antique, but I was intrigued by it so I bought it.

To me, it appears to be never used, but I could be wrong.

The blade is marked Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie
The back side of the blade is stamped Solingen Germany

Searching this forum and other websites I cannot find this designation on any razors.

I find many examples of razors from Solingen Germany and many pages dedicated to swords and knives made by Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie but not razors from WKC as marked on the my blade. I do find online examples of antique razors from the 1800's from Weyersberg Kirschbaum & Cie, but nothing in the 20th century.

So I've attached photos and I hope someone could offer some information on my find.

Thanks very much

John Jarosz

Could be one of the various mid-priced razors mentioned after the list:

Brands of Straight Razors to Avoid

Those screws in the scales are bad sign.

Mark,
What you say sounds reasonable. Live & learn. Fortunately I did not spend much on this razor.

Thanks
John

The screws remind me of make shift repairs, and the scales do not appear poorly done. There used to be a crazy number of makers all over the world and a lot in Germany. It is quite possible it is going to be just fine. Often makers had advertising information for clients etched on the razors. It is common to see hardaware and supply companies as well as hotels, cruise lines and large companies. I’m wondering about what you are thinking about in terms of getting it honed.

I haven't thought that far ahead. I'm open to suggestions.

thanks
john

Yes, it is a bit odd that the current WKC company does not list razors as something they make on their official site.

https://www.wkc-solingen.de/en

They have been and are notable sword makers from what I can read of them. They may have made razors at one time but who knows.

While the scales have the look of homemade replacements, I agree with Rez that they seem well done. Why not hone it up and see if it will take and keep a good shaving edge.

Bob

Could this have been a promotional item for WKC, much as we see the Art of Shaving razors made by Thiers-Issard?

It looks like the bevel is just starting to cut into the stabilizer. Overall, it looks to be a typical Solengin razor, should shave just fine, once honed.

I can address the issue, should there be a problem with the heel, and hone it up for ya.

Interesting razor. Nice when they are pretty clean looking without all the rust to deal with.

Maybe it is angle, but it looks like there may be a faint frown in the edge.

Just me but the marks on the tang at the pivot suggests its seen some use so replacement scales seems a fair call. That said I'm inclined to agree with Mike to get the heel fixed and get it honed. You wouldn't bother to rescale a crap razor.