Thread: Clauss USMC - Base Camp

Forgive me if another thread like this exists already, I searched and found there wasn't one definitive site dedicated to the USMC Clauss razors. I thought it would be easier for all if we could merge all the various Clauss USMC threads into one. Anyway, here's my contribution.








Just acquired this WWI era Clauss USMC razor made in Fremont Ohio with original case. The razor is in pristine condition but with two small corrosion pits in the chrome on the spine(see pic above). It's close to shave ready and I'll probably send it to Lynn next week. Does anyone know if the chrome plating is all the way to the edge or does it transition in the ground? And given the fact that it's chromed on the spine, does that mean I should put some electrical tape on the spine when stropping to avoid wearing through it over time?

Well we have the Clauss club which you've already found I see. We'd have a crazy amount of razor clubs if we did specific lines from manufacturers. I have a Clauss and it's a great shaver.

It might be stainless steel but I'm pretty sure it's not chromed. Probably just shiny which is good for you.

I'm not aware of any Clauss being chrome plated. Some of the Clauss and especially some Geneva razors have an odd sheen to them but I believe the metal is the same throughout.

Originally Posted by commiecat

Well we have the Clauss club which you've already found I see. We'd have a crazy amount of razor clubs if we did specific lines from manufacturers. I have a Clauss and it's a great shaver.

It might be stainless steel but I'm pretty sure it's not chromed. Probably just shiny which is good for you.

The "out of the Clauss'et" appeared to be for Clauss razors in general, not specifically the USMC edition which I found numerous random threads and postings on. I thought it might be helpful to start a thread for the USMC edition only. I'm not pushing it, if enough people respond to this thread and express a preference to keep the discussion on the other threads, that's fine with me.

From what I gleaned on the numerous discussions of the USMC Clauss, this razor in specific was chromed after experience in the Spanish-American war and other humid war theaters. Soldiers just did not have the time to maintain the razors so they were chromed over the carbon steel. It's definitely not stainless steel. If you look at the spine photo, you will see two points where the chrome bubbled up. My guess is the chrome goes right to the bevel.

Originally Posted by WineGuyD

From what I gleaned on the numerous discussions of the USMC Clauss, this razor in specific was chromed after experience in the Spanish-American war and other humid war theaters. Soldiers just did not have the time to maintain the razors so they were chromed over the carbon steel. It's definitely not stainless steel. If you look at the spine photo, you will see two points where the chrome bubbled up. My guess is the chrome goes right to the bevel.

OK, I stand corrected. I have gone through a lot of Clauss razors but have never seen one that I thought was chrome plated. Then again, I've never had a military issued Clauss. Thanks for the info.

Your welcome...that's why I thought this thread might be useful since the USMC is unique.

An absolute beauty of a razor. I'd really like to get my hands on one to gift to my older brother (a jarhead in his younger years)

Here are My 2 USMC Clausses.

I too have one of each. Beautiful razors. I'm planning on buying the Kbar display case that Sgt Grit sells to display them.

Zacsdaddy

Just won this beauty on ebay! It's in pretty fine condition and with the original box(which is beat up a little)...the scales are perfect and the blade is overall perfect with the exception of a little corrosion dimple on the top of the spine and a slight frown to the razors edge. Hard to believe it was shaving a "Leatherneck" almost 100 years ago.