Thread: Kind of fell into this

The better half and I got a day together last weekend and decided to head to a nearby antique co-op store. We'd both been there before, but not together. I really had little intention of getting a razor, unless something really jumped out at me. I saw a closed razor and could just make out Sheffield on the tang, so I asked one of the attendants to open the case. It was a W&B with a fair amount of hone wear, but the blade couldn't have been much more than 3/8ths. I know these thin razors have been made, but hadn't seen any by W&B. I decided to pass (If I should run back to the store let me know) as it really didn't interest me much. Another blade with this one had been sharpened into almost not existing. I wish I'd taken a photo, all that was left was small triangle of the spine and about a 1/4" of blade less stabilizer hanging below the tang. I had a quick laugh with the attendant who also had a sales display in the store. He mentioned he had a pile of razors he was hoping to get rid of. Really well lets go check them out. He had six razors with ten boxes. None of the boxes matched the razors and I figured there were 2 to 3 that could be saved (possibly more with some drastic measures). None of the brands really stood out to me, but I figured if nothing else, they'd be good for parts and/or practice. I offered $35, he came back with $40 and...done. Now I have a bunch of down the road projects and also need to preserve/restore a 1910 era shoe stretcher (happy wife...). I'm not posting photos of the boxes, but if anyone is interested PM me and I'll e-mail you pics/descriptions (only interested in CONUS shipping). I might not respond right away since I'll be out of town teaching for the rest of the week. Oh, I also saw a Rolls travel razor that looked in good? condition. I don't know much about them and they're not my thing. The strop was dripping oil and I don't know if the hone was present. They were asking $65 for it. I could probably be talked into going back and getting some pictures if someone is really interested in it. On to the pictures...


Blackie 517 Premier Cutlery Inc Germany/Kranks 99 Alfred I. Crank Inc St. Paul M.I. Germany


Clauss 2402 Freemont, O. "C.B. Gibbs" blade etch./The Mois No. 5 "Hollow Ground" blade etch.


Dad’s Best H.A.C. E.J. Jahn Co. Detroit, Mich/Columbia Cutlery Co. Worchester Mass "Extra Hollow Ground" blade etch.

A few project to help ya learn what its about. And you should end up with a few nice shabers in the end.

Originally Posted by Gasman

A few project to help ya learn what its about. And you should end up with a few nice shabers in the end.

The yellow handled razor in the last pic, needs the scales pulled and trashed. PRONTO. !! Their going into full cell rott, and is very present on the tip of the blade.

Notice the color change at the wedge, and the active rust on the tip of the blade.

Originally Posted by outback

The yellow handled razor in the last pic, needs the scales pulled and trashed. PRONTO. !! Their going into full cell rott, and is very present on the tip of the blade.

Notice the color change at the wedge, and the active rust on the tip of the blade.

Will do, didn't think about cell rot for the rust at the tip. SRP to the rescue again, thanks for the heads up. The edge at the tip is done, I was figuring it would need to be turned into a round point.

Outback made a good call there.
Nice finds. While it is cool to find some notable makers, it isn't really of importance. A well made razor my a lesser known maker is still a well made razor!!
Some cleaning, polishing, and elbow grease may make a big difference on some of those. Too bad the one set of scales is toxic, hopefully the other razor scales are stable.

Originally Posted by outback

The yellow handled razor in the last pic, needs the scales pulled and trashed. PRONTO. !! Their going into full cell rott, and is very present on the tip of the blade.

Notice the color change at the wedge, and the active rust on the tip of the blade.

Dang, didn't see that.

I agree with Josh. So many great shaving razors are out thefe with lessor known names. I find the American Full Hollows to be some of the best shavers. Good call Mike. I too didnt notice this and its stairing us in the face!

I'm not worried about the company name as long as they perform. I think it's cool to find some "off brand" razor that rocks the shave. Kinda bummed about losing the scales, had a Dads best stamp I thought was neat. But better to save the blade. I can't unpin till this weekend so I opened the blade and wrapped in an oil soaked towel. Should hold to Saturday.