Thread: Bismarck Razor Works

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Just IMHO, if it is a tight crack, or even if it is not and it can be glued or somehow stabilized I prefer original scales on a vintage razor ..... especially bone. YMMV

Hi Jimmy,

I agree. Bone, horn, etc., is "exotic" type handle material - in my opinion. Therefore I am 100% in agreement with you regarding saving it "as is".

This razor, though, had been damaged severely by being used as a striking
implement. Maybe to pound something in that the user thought would "give" more then the scales "gave" when used as a hammer.
Dunno.

There is a significant 1/4" triangular piece missing completely from it. I'd glue it in if I had the piece in my possession, but the seller did NOT possess it, UNfortunately. That's why I consider replacing them some day. I will show you once the pic's are available.

Thanks to ALL for all the additional info you have provided to me so far, above and beyond what I was able to come up with myself. These razors are nice for sure. Cannot wait to actually use it!

Here is one of the originals:

Verrrry nice! Yours has it over mine, for sure! You have an etched blade and a manufacturer's autographed handle. I have been lazy and need to get pictures posted.

I tried mine yesterday (Sunday-11 April) after doing a pyramid on my Norton 4000/8000 and a few laps on the Chinese 12,000. I was VERY impressed that such an old blade could shave so nicely. The razor seemed to be flowing over my face with no effort at all. It was extremely well balanced and comfortable to hold in my hand. I noticed that right away. And the steel is good stuff too. I heard a slight "ting" when I eventually stropped it on my Buffalo strop trying to get the edge a lil sharper and more polished.

Thanks for the pic and post.

Cheers!

~Phil

Originally Posted by Hawkeye5

Here is one of the originals:

Here is a recent pic of mine.




Notice the real dark black area near the scale at the monkey tail - that's how dark the metal was. It took approximately 3 hours off and on to get it that clean. WHEW!!!

Very, very nice!

Mine, I actually have another, are excellent shavers.

I purchased a nice 6/8 Bismarck Registered #300 Bismarck Razor Works blade yesterday from an antiques dealer/former collector. A few strokes on a pasted paddle and stropping and it shaved very nicely. Not totally dialed in but I was pleased with my $30 price point on the razor. The original box has handwritten in ink Feb 15, '32 so I expect that is when it was acquired by it's original owner.

Nice score, Mike. Great price!!